A Small RNA-Based Immune System Defends Germ Cells against Mobile Genetic Elements
Author
Source
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2015), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2015-11-22
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Abstract EN
Transposons are mobile genetic elements that threaten the survival of species by destabilizing the germline genomes.
Limiting the spread of these selfish elements is imperative.
Germ cells employ specialized small regulatory RNA pathways to restrain transposon activity.
PIWI proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) silence transposons at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level with loss-of-function mutant animals universally exhibiting sterility often associated with germ cell defects.
This short review aims to illustrate basic strategies of piRNA-guided defense against transposons.
Mechanisms of piRNA silencing are most readily studied in Drosophila melanogaster, which serves as a model to delineate molecular concepts and as a reference for mammalian piRNA systems.
PiRNA pathways utilize two major strategies to handle the challenges of transposon control: (1) the hard-wired molecular memory of prior transpositions enables recognition of mobile genetic elements and discriminates transposons from host genes; (2) a feed-forward adaptation mechanism shapes piRNA populations to selectively combat the immediate threat of transposon transcripts.
In flies, maternally contributed PIWI-piRNA complexes bolster both of these lines of defense and ensure transgenerational immunity.
While recent studies have provided a conceptual framework of what could be viewed as an ancient immune system, we are just beginning to appreciate its many molecular innovations.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Haase, Astrid D.. 2015. A Small RNA-Based Immune System Defends Germ Cells against Mobile Genetic Elements. Stem Cells International،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1117130
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Haase, Astrid D.. A Small RNA-Based Immune System Defends Germ Cells against Mobile Genetic Elements. Stem Cells International Vol. 2016, no. 2016 (2015), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1117130
American Medical Association (AMA)
Haase, Astrid D.. A Small RNA-Based Immune System Defends Germ Cells against Mobile Genetic Elements. Stem Cells International. 2015. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1117130
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1117130