[A novel class of testis-specific small RNAs: piRNAs].
Eukaryotes produce various types of 19-30 nt small RNAs, which act as guides to the regulation of gene expressions, such as mRNA degradation and translational repression. The Argonaute family members related to small RNA functions fall into 2 subfamilies. One is the AGO subfamily, whose 4 members distribute widely, confirmedly bind to miRNAs and siRNAs and inhibit the expression of target mRNAs through a pathway like RNA interference. The other is the PIWI subfamily, including PIWI, Aubgine (AUB) and AGO3, exclusively expressed in the testis. Recently, four research groups have isolated a new class of small RNAs from the mammalian testis, which interacts with the PIWI subfamily, hence named piwi-interfering RNAs (piRNAs), and is suggestive of an important role in spermatogenesis.
Ding
Xiao-Fang
XF
Center of Reproductive Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Li
Hong-Gang
HG
Xiong
Cheng-Liang
CL
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*
D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering