title: Small RNA guides for de novo DNA methylation in mammalian germ cells.
abstract: Germline genomic methylation is essential for gamete identity and integrity in mammals. The study by Kuramochi-Miyagawa and colleagues (908-917) in the previous issue of Genes & Development links the process of DNA methylation-dependent repression of retrotranspons with the presence of piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in fetal male germ cells undergoing de novo methylation.
authors.affiliation: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.
authors.forename: Alexei A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Aravin
authors.forename: Déborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bourc'his
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D005260:Female; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008322:Mammals; D008954:Models, Biological; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D034741:RNA, Small Interfering