Piwi-interacting Rna
Piwi-interacting Rna - Related Videos
02:57
piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
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2020
PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
11:32
Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen
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Cited by 20 •
2017
Here, we detail the method of Sequencing of Psoralen crosslinked, Ligated, and Selected Hybrids (SPLASH), which enables genome-wide mapping of intramolecular and intermolecular RNA-RNA interactions in vivo. SPLASH can be applied to study RNA interactomes of organisms including yeast, bacteria and humans.
12:26
Optical Tweezers to Study RNA-Protein Interactions in Translation Regulation
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Cited by 5 •
2022
This protocol presents a complete experimental workflow for studying RNA-protein interactions using optical tweezers. Several possible experimental setups are outlined including the combination of optical tweezers with confocal microscopy.
06:30
SELEX-Based In Vitro Binding Assay to Identify RNA-Protein Interactions
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2025
In this video, we describe the systematic evolution of ligands by the exponential enrichment (SELEX) method to identify specific RNA-binding sequences for a target protein of interest. The protein is incubated with a large pool of randomized RNA sequences, and the protein-binding RNA sequences are isolated, PCR-amplified, and sequenced to identify their protein-binding sites.
10:45
iCLIP - Transcriptome-wide Mapping of Protein-RNA Interactions with Individual Nucleotide Resolution
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Cited by 203 •
2011
The spatial arrangement of RNA-binding proteins on a transcript is a key determinant of post-transcriptional regulation. Therefore, we developed individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) that allows precise genome-wide mapping of the binding sites of an RNA-binding protein.
FAQs
Target recognition depends on sequence complementarity: piRNAs guide PIWI-containing silencing complexes toward RNA molecules with matching sequences. This targeting principle gives the pathway a way to direct suppression toward transposable-element transcripts and other complementary targets. The resulting specificity is central to limiting mobile genetic elements in animal germ cells and protecting the integrity of their genomes.
Recognition can trigger more than one silencing outcome. The targeted transcript may undergo degradation, while transcription of the corresponding region can also be repressed. In some organisms, the response extends to epigenetic modification of DNA or chromatin. These combined mechanisms reduce transposable-element activity at both the RNA and transcriptional levels.
PIWI proteins provide the protein component that binds piRNAs and forms the silencing complexes responsible for target recognition and repression. Without this partnership, the sequence information carried by the small RNA would not be linked to the degradation or transcriptional control of complementary targets. Their role therefore connects molecular recognition with genome-defense outcomes.
The pathway does not produce exactly the same molecular response in every organism. Transcript degradation and transcriptional repression are described as major outcomes, whereas epigenetic modification of DNA or chromatin occurs in some organisms. This species-dependent component is important when comparing how animals maintain genome integrity and control transposable elements.
A focused investigation can examine three linked features: association of piRNAs with PIWI proteins, recognition of complementary RNA sequences, and the resulting suppression of transposable elements. Researchers can then consider whether the observed response reflects transcript degradation, transcriptional repression, or epigenetic effects on DNA or chromatin. These observations connect mechanism with genome stability.
Its importance follows from its activity in animal germ cells, where transposable-element control supports genome integrity. Stable suppression helps maintain conditions associated with germline development and fertility, while limiting mobile elements also supports reliable inheritance of genetic information. Consequently, the pathway provides a molecular link between gene regulation, genome defense, and reproductive function.
The pathway offers a shared context for studying how small noncoding RNAs regulate genes, how DNA or chromatin can be modified in some organisms, and how mobile elements influence genome stability. It is also relevant to diseases associated with disrupted transposon control. These connections make piRNAs useful for examining inheritance, genome change, and abnormal gene regulation.