Structural insights into piRNA biogenesis

Jin Zhang; Sizhuo Chen; Ke Liu

doi:10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194799

Structural insights into piRNA biogenesis

Biochim Biophys Acta Gene Regul Mech. 2022 Feb;1865(2):194799. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194799. Epub 2022 Feb 16.

Authors

Jin Zhang¹, Sizhuo Chen¹, Ke Liu²

Affiliations

¹ Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
² Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China. Electronic address: keliu2015@ccnu.edu.cn.

PMID: 35182819
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194799

Abstract

Discovered two decades ago, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation, transposon element repression, and antiviral defense. Dysregulation of piRNAs has been noted in diverse human diseases including cancers. Recently, extensive studies have revealed that many more proteins are involved in piRNA biogenesis. This review will summarize the recent progress in piRNA biogenesis and functions, especially the molecular mechanisms by which piRNA biogenesis-related proteins contribute to piRNA processing.

Keywords: PIWI protein; Piwi-interacting RNA; Small non-coding RNA; piRNA pathway; piRNAs biogenesis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

DNA Transposable Elements* / genetics
Gene Expression Regulation*
Humans
Proteins / metabolism
RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism

Substances

DNA Transposable Elements
Proteins
RNA, Small Interfering