Beyond transposons: the epigenetic and somatic functions of the Piwi-piRNA mechanism

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2013 Apr;25(2):190-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2013.01.010. Epub 2013 Mar 4.

Abstract

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were reported in 2006 as a novel class of small non-coding RNAs associated with Piwi proteins of the Argonaute/Piwi family. Recent studies have revealed not only the biogenesis of piRNAs and their roles in transposon silencing, but also the function of the Piwi-piRNA pathway in epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In addition, the function of this pathway in somatic cells has also been more systematically characterized. The new findings reveal the Piwi-piRNA pathway as a more general mechanism of gene regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argonaute Proteins / metabolism*
  • DNA Transposable Elements / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Histones / chemistry
  • Histones / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*

Substances

  • Argonaute Proteins
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Histones
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • piwi protein, Drosophila