Conserved themes in small-RNA-mediated transposon control

Girard, A., Hannon, G. J. (2008) Conserved themes in small-RNA-mediated transposon control. Trends Cell Biol, 18 (3). pp. 136-148.

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Abstract

Eukaryotes are engaged in a constant struggle against transposable elements, which have invaded and profoundly shaped their genomes. Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence has pointed to a role for small RNAs in transposon defense. Although the strategies used in different organisms vary in their details, they have strikingly similar general properties. Basically, all mechanisms consist of three components. First, transposon detection prompts the production of small RNAs, which are Piwi-interacting RNAs in some organisms and small interfering RNAs in others. Second, the population of small RNAs targeting active transposons is amplified through an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase-based or Slicer-based mechanism. Third, small RNAs are incorporated into Argonaute- or Piwi-containing effector complexes, which target transposon transcripts for post-transcriptional silencing and/or target transposon DNA for repressive chromatin modification and DNA methylation. These properties produce robust systems that limit the catastrophic consequences of transposon mobilization, which can result in the accumulation of deleterious mutations, changes in gene expression patterns, and conditions such as gonadal hypotrophy and sterility.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: ?? DNA_Methylation ??
?? Fred_Stone ??
bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics
?? Mary_Popins ??
?? Methylation_DnA ??
?? Q1 ??
?? Transposons ??
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Hannon lab
School of Biological Sciences > Publications
Depositing User: Tom Adams
Date: 2008
Date Deposited: 11 Jul 2011 17:34
Last Modified: 22 Sep 2014 16:14
PMCID: PMC2995447
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/7745

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