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Switched Off

Small non-coding RNA sequences called piRNAs regulate genes involved in germ cell development

20 June 2022

Switched Off

Hidden within our genome are sequences of DNA called transposable elements (TEs) that can move between locations, and potentially disrupt key genes. Our germ cells – precursors of eggs and sperm – have evolved a defence in the form of piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which silence TEs. But whether piRNAs also silence genes involved in producing germ cells was unclear. Using the nematode worm as a model, researchers found that piRNAs silenced genes involved in sperm formation. In worms with mutated non-functioning piRNAs (bottom), there were more germ cells expressing genes linked to creating sperm (red) compared to a ‘normal’ worm (top). As these worms are hermaphrodites, they need this ‘switch off’ of sperm production to be able to start making egg cells (yellow). This study shows that piRNAs could have wider roles in humans beyond simply silencing TEs.

Written by Sophie Arthur

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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