The emergence of piRNAs against transposon invasion to preserve mammalian genome integrity
Published version
Peer-reviewed
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Repository DOI
Type
Article
Change log
Authors
Ernst, Christina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3569-2209
Odom, Duncan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6201-5599
Kutter, Claudia
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) contribute to the large amount of repetitive sequences in mammalian genomes and have been linked to species-specific genome innovations by rewiring regulatory circuitries. However, organisms need to restrict TE activity to ensure genome integrity, especially in germline cells to protect the transmission of genetic information to the next generation. This review features our current understandings of mammalian PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and their role in TE regulation in spermatogenesis. Here we discuss functional implication and explore additional molecular mechanisms that inhibit transposon activity and altogether illustrate the paradoxical arms race between genome evolution and stability.
Description
Keywords
Animals, DNA Methylation, DNA Transposable Elements, Evolution, Molecular, Gene Silencing, Genomic Instability, Humans, Male, Mammals, Mice, Models, Genetic, RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional, RNA, Small Interfering, Spermatogenesis, Spermatogonia
Journal Title
Nature Communications
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
2041-1723
2041-1723
2041-1723
Volume Title
8
Publisher
Springer Nature
Publisher DOI
Sponsorship
Cancer Research UK (unknown)
Cancer Research UK (20412)
Wellcome Trust (202878/Z/16/Z)
European Research Council (615584)
Cancer Research UK (20412)
Wellcome Trust (202878/Z/16/Z)
European Research Council (615584)
We are grateful for the support by Cancer Research UK (CE, DTO), European Research Council (DTO), Wellcome Trust (DTO), SciLifeLab Fellow Program (CK), Knut and Alice Wallenberg (CK) and Ruth and Richard Julin (CK).