Probing the initiation and effector phases of the somatic piRNA pathway in Drosophila.
Combining RNAi in cultured cells and analysis of mutant animals, we probed the roles of known Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway components in the initiation and effector phases of transposon silencing. Squash associated physically with Piwi, and reductions in its expression led to modest transposon derepression without effects on piRNAs, consistent with an effector role. Alterations in Zucchini or Armitage reduced both Piwi protein and piRNAs, indicating functions in the formation of a stable Piwi RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex). Notably, loss of Zucchini or mutations within its catalytic domain led to accumulation of unprocessed precursor transcripts from flamenco, consistent with a role for this putative nuclease in piRNA biogenesis.
Watson School of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
Astrid D
AD
Haase
Silvia
S
Fenoglio
Felix
F
Muerdter
Paloma M
PM
Guzzardo
Benjamin
B
Czech
Darryl J
DJ
Pappin
Caifu
C
Chen
Assaf
A
Gordon
Gregory J
GJ
Hannon
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements / Q000502:physiology; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004722:Endoribonucleases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D009154:Mutation; D020365:RNA Helicases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C484034:armi protein, Drosophila; D004722:Endoribonucleases; C521348:Squ protein, Drosophila; C521347:Zuc protein, Drosophila; D020365:RNA Helicases