An inside job for siRNAs.
Among the three main categories of small silencing RNAs in insects and mammals-siRNAs, miRNAs, and piRNAs-siRNAs were thought to arise primarily from exogenous sources, whereas miRNAs and piRNAs arise from endogenous loci. Recent work in flies and mice reveals several classes of endogenous siRNAs (endo-siRNAs) that contribute to functions previously reserved for miRNAs and piRNAs, including gene regulation and transposon suppression.
Golden
Daniel E
DE
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Gerbasi
Vincent R
VR
Sontheimer
Erik J
EJ
D000818:Animals; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics; D016678:Genome / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering