Function and Evolution of Nematode RNAi Pathways

Non-Coding RNA

Miguel A. Andrade-Navarro¹  Miguel Vasconcelos Almeida¹  René F. Ketting¹ 

[1] Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany;

关键词: small RNA;    piRNA;    22G RNA;    26G RNA;    21U RNA;    siRNA;    Argonaute;    RdRP;    Piwi;    C. elegans;    nematode;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ncrna5010008

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Selfish genetic elements, like transposable elements or viruses, are a threat to genomic stability. A variety of processes, including small RNA-based RNA interference (RNAi)-like pathways, has evolved to counteract these elements. Amongst these, endogenous small interfering RNA and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathways were implicated in silencing selfish genetic elements in a variety of organisms. Nematodes have several incredibly specialized, rapidly evolving endogenous RNAi-like pathways serving such purposes. Here, we review recent research regarding the RNAi-like pathways of Caenorhabditis elegans as well as those of other nematodes, to provide an evolutionary perspective. We argue that multiple nematode RNAi-like pathways share piRNA-like properties and together form a broad nematode toolkit that allows for silencing of foreign genetic elements.

【 授权许可】

Unknown