Dynamic expression of small non-coding RNAs, including novel microRNAs and piRNAs/21U-RNAs, during Caenorhabditis elegans development.
BACKGROUND
Small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), serve an important role in controlling gene expression during development and disease. However, little detailed information exists concerning the relative expression patterns of small RNAs during development of animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans.


RESULTS
We performed a deep analysis of small RNA expression in C. elegans using recent advances in sequencing technology, and found that a significant number of known miRNAs showed major changes in expression during development and between males and hermaphrodites. Additionally, we identified 66 novel miRNA candidates, about 35% of which showed transcripts from their 'star sequence', suggesting that they are bona fide miRNAs. Also, hundreds of novel Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs)/21U-RNAs with dynamic expression during development, together with many longer transcripts encompassing 21U-RNA sequences, were detected in our libraries.


CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis reveals extensive regulation of non-coding small RNAs during development of hermaphrodites and between different genders of C. elegans, and suggests that these RNAs, including novel miRNA candidates, are involved in developmental processes. These findings should lead to a better understanding of the biological roles of small RNAs in C. elegans development.
Kato
Masaomi
M
Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. masaomi.kato@yale.edu
de Lencastre
Alexandre
A
Pincus
Zachary
Z
Slack
Frank J
FJ
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics*; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics*
D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering