piRNA identification based on motif discovery

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3075-3080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuqin Liu ◽  
Jun Ding ◽  
Fuzhou Gong
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Motif Discovery ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Transposon Silencing ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs about 24 to 32 nucleotides long, associated with PIWI proteins, which are involved in germline development, transposon silencing, and epigenetic regulation.

scholarly journals PIWI proteins and their interactors in piRNA biogenesis, germline development and gene expression

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsueh-Yen Ku ◽  
Haifan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Mrna Turnover ◽  
Regulatory Function ◽  
Piwi Protein ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Epigenetic Programming ◽  
Transposon Silencing ◽  
Tudor Domain ◽  
Argonaute Family ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Abstract PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a complex class of small non-coding RNAs that are mostly 24–32 nucleotides in length and composed of at least hundreds of thousands of species that specifically interact with the PIWI protein subfamily of the ARGONAUTE family. Recent studies revealed that PIWI proteins interact with a number of proteins, especially the TUDOR-domain-containing proteins, to regulate piRNA biogenesis and regulatory function. Current research also provides evidence that PIWI proteins and piRNAs are not only crucial for transposon silencing in the germline, but also mediate novel mechanisms of epigenetic programming, DNA rearrangements, mRNA turnover, and translational control both in the germline and in the soma. These new discoveries begin to reveal an exciting new dimension of gene regulation in the cell.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation during Primordial Germ Cell Development and Differentiation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Navin B. Ramakrishna ◽  
Keir Murison ◽  
Eric A. Miska ◽  
Harry G. Leitch
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Primordial Germ Cell ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Development And Differentiation ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Germline development varies significantly across metazoans. However, mammalian primordial germ cell (PGC) development has key conserved landmarks, including a critical period of epigenetic reprogramming that precedes sex-specific differentiation and gametogenesis. Epigenetic alterations in the germline are of unique importance due to their potential to impact the next generation. Therefore, regulation of, and by, the non-coding genome is of utmost importance during these epigenomic events. Here, we detail the key chromatin changes that occur during mammalian PGC development and how these interact with the expression of non-coding RNAs alongside broader epitranscriptomic changes. We identify gaps in our current knowledge, in particular regarding epigenetic regulation in the human germline, and we highlight important areas of future research.

scholarly journals Long Non-coding RNAs RN7SK and GAS5 Regulate Macrophage Polarization and Innate Immune Responses

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Ahmad ◽  
Araceli Valverde ◽  
Raza Ali Naqvi ◽  
Afsar R. Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Antigen Uptake ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Macrophages (Mφ) are immune cells that exhibit remarkable functional plasticity. Identification of novel endogenous factors that can regulate plasticity and innate immune functions of Mφ will unravel new strategies to curb immune-related diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of endogenous, non-protein coding, regulatory RNAs that are increasingly being associated with various cellular functions and diseases. Despite their ubiquity and abundance, lncRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of Mφ polarization and innate immune functions is poorly studied. This study elucidates the regulatory role of lncRNAs in monocyte to Mφ differentiation, M1/M2 dichotomy and innate immune responses. Expression profiling of eighty-eight lncRNAs in monocytes and in vitro differentiated M2 Mφ identified seventeen differentially expressed lncRNAs. Based on fold-change and significance, we selected four differentially expressed lncRNAs viz., RN7SK, GAS5, IPW, and ZFAS1 to evaluate their functional impact. LncRNA knockdown was performed on day 3 M2 Mφ and the impact on polarization was assessed on day 7 by surface marker analysis. Knockdown of RN7SK and GAS5 showed downregulation of M2 surface markers (CD163, CD206, or Dectin) and concomitant increase in M1 markers (MHC II or CD23). RN7SK or GAS5 knockdown showed no significant impact on CD163, CD206, or CD23 transcripts. M1/M2 markers were not impacted by IPW or ZFAS1 knockdown. Functional regulation of antigen uptake/processing and phagocytosis, two central innate immune pathways, by candidate lncRNA was assessed in M1/M2 Mφ. Compared to scramble, enhanced antigen uptake and processing were observed in both M1/M2 Mφ transfected with siRNA targeting GAS5 and RN7SK but not IPW and ZFAS1. In addition, knockdown of RN7SK significantly augmented uptake of labelled E. coli in vitro by M1/M2 Mφ, while no significant difference was in GAS5 silencing cells. Together, our results highlight the instrumental role of lncRNA (RN7SK and GAS5)-mediated epigenetic regulation of macrophage differentiation, polarization, and innate immune functions.

Epigenetics of scleroderma: Integrating genetic, ethnic, age, and environmental effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula S Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Epigenome Editing ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Epigenetic Editing

Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is thought to result from the interplay between environmental or non-genetic factors in a genetically susceptible individual. Epigenetic modifications are influenced by genetic variation and environmental exposures, and change with chronological age and between populations. Despite progress in identifying genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors, the underlying mechanism of systemic sclerosis remains unclear. Since epigenetics provides the regulatory mechanism linking genetic and non-genetic factors to gene expression, understanding the role of epigenetic regulation in systemic sclerosis will elucidate how these factors interact to cause systemic sclerosis. Among the cell types under tight epigenetic control and susceptible to epigenetic dysregulation, immune cells are critically involved in early pathogenic events in the progression of fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. This review starts by summarizing the changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs associated with systemic sclerosis. It then discusses the role of genetic, ethnic, age, and environmental effects on epigenetic regulation, with a focus on immune system dysregulation. Given the potential of epigenome editing technologies for cell reprogramming and as a therapeutic approach for durable gene regulation, this review concludes with a prospect on epigenetic editing. Although epigenomics in systemic sclerosis is in its infancy, future studies will help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underpinning systemic sclerosis and inform the design of targeted epigenetic therapies to control its dysregulation.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of the Hippocampus, with Special Reference to Radiation Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9514
Author(s):  
Genevieve Saw ◽  
Feng Ru Tang
Keyword(s):  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Epigenetic Factors ◽  
Hippocampal Function ◽  
Neuropsychological Disorders ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
And Function

The hippocampus is crucial in learning, memory and emotion processing, and is involved in the development of different neurological and neuropsychological disorders. Several epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, have been shown to regulate the development and function of the hippocampus, and the alteration of epigenetic regulation may play important roles in the development of neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the epigenetic modifications of various cell types and processes within the hippocampus and their resulting effects on cognition, memory and overall hippocampal function. In addition, the effects of exposure to radiation that may induce a myriad of epigenetic changes in the hippocampus are reviewed. By assessing and evaluating the current literature, we hope to prompt a more thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie radiation-induced epigenetic changes, an area which can be further explored.

scholarly journals The Role of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in the Epigenetic Regulation of Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Muraca ◽  
Alfredo Cappariello
Keyword(s):  
Bone Metabolism ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Powerful Means ◽  
Fine Regulation ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are complex phospholipidic structures actively released by cells. EVs are recognized as powerful means of intercellular communication since they contain many signaling molecules (including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids). In parallel, changes in epigenetic processes can lead to changes in gene function and finally lead to disease onset and progression. Recent breakthroughs have revealed the complex roles of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)) in epigenetic regulation. Moreover, a substantial body of evidence demonstrates that non-coding RNAs can be shuttled among the cells and tissues via EVs, allowing non-coding RNAs to reach distant cells and exert systemic effects. Resident bone cells, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and endothelial cells, are tightly regulated by non-coding RNAs, and many of them can be exported from the cells to neighboring ones through EVs, triggering pathological conditions. For these reasons, researchers have also started to exploit EVs as a theranostic tool to address osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize some recent findings regarding the EVs’ involvement in the fine regulation of non-coding RNAs in the context of bone metabolism and osteoporosis.

scholarly journals Assembly and Function of Gonad-Specific Non-Membranous Organelles in Drosophila piRNA Biogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeki Hirakata ◽  
Mikiko C. Siomi
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Mitochondrial Membranes ◽  
Animal Life ◽  
Transposon Silencing ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pirna Pathway

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that repress transposons in animal germlines. This protects the genome from the invasive DNA elements. piRNA pathway failures lead to DNA damage, gonadal development defects, and infertility. Thus, the piRNA pathway is indispensable for the continuation of animal life. piRNA-mediated transposon silencing occurs in both the nucleus and cytoplasm while piRNA biogenesis is a solely cytoplasmic event. piRNA production requires a number of proteins, the majority of which localize to non-membranous organelles that specifically appear in the gonads. Other piRNA factors are localized on outer mitochondrial membranes. In situ RNA hybridization experiments show that piRNA precursors are compartmentalized into other non-membranous organelles. In this review, we summarize recent findings about the function of these organelles in the Drosophila piRNA pathway by focusing on their assembly and function.

scholarly journals Rapid evolution and conserved function of the piRNA pathway

Open Biology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 180181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swapnil S. Parhad ◽  
William E. Theurkauf
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Diversity ◽  
Gene Evolution ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Transposon Silencing ◽  
Core Function ◽  
Major Genome ◽  
Host Defence System ◽  
Pirna Pathway

Transposons are major genome constituents that can mobilize and trigger mutations, DNA breaks and chromosome rearrangements. Transposon silencing is particularly important in the germline, which is dedicated to transmission of the inherited genome. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) guide a host defence system that transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally silences transposons during germline development. While germline control of transposons by the piRNA pathway is conserved, many piRNA pathway genes are evolving rapidly under positive selection, and the piRNA biogenesis machinery shows remarkable phylogenetic diversity. Conservation of core function combined with rapid gene evolution is characteristic of a host–pathogen arms race, suggesting that transposons and the piRNA pathway are engaged in an evolutionary tug of war that is driving divergence of the biogenesis machinery. Recent studies suggest that this process may produce biochemical incompatibilities that contribute to reproductive isolation and species divergence.

scholarly journals RNA-directed epigenetic silencing of Periostin inhibits cell motility

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 140545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas C. Lister ◽  
Matthew Clemson ◽  
Kevin V. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Cell Motility ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Epigenetic Silencing ◽  
Transcriptional Gene Silencing ◽  
Cellular Motility ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Cancerous Cells

The over-expression of Periostin, a member of the fasciclin family of proteins, has been reported in a number of cancers and, in particular, in metastatic tumours. These include breast, ovarian, lung, colon, head and neck, pancreatic, prostate, neuroblastoma and thyroid cancers. It is thought that Periostin plays a major role in the development of metastases owing to its apparent involvement in restructuring of the extracellular matrix to create a microenvironment favouring invasion and metastases, angiogenesis, independent proliferation, avoidance of apoptosis and the ability for cells to re-enter the cell cycle. As such we reasoned that targeted suppression of Periostin at the promoter and epigenetic level could result in the stable inhibition of cell motility. We find here that promoter-directed small antisense non-coding RNAs can induce transcriptional gene silencing of Periostin that results ultimately in a loss of cellular motility. The observations presented here suggest that cell motility and possibly metastasis can be controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of Periostin, offering a potentially new and novel manner to control the spread of cancerous cells.

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