| RRC ID |
75935
|
| Author |
Cornes E, Bourdon L, Singh M, Mueller F, Quarato P, Wernersson E, Bienko M, Li B, Cecere G.
|
| Title |
piRNAs initiate transcriptional silencing of spermatogenic genes during C. elegans germline development.
|
| Journal |
Dev Cell
|
| Abstract |
Eukaryotic genomes harbor invading transposable elements that are silenced by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) to maintain genome integrity in animal germ cells. However, whether piRNAs also regulate endogenous gene expression programs remains unclear. Here, we show that C. elegans piRNAs trigger the transcriptional silencing of hundreds of spermatogenic genes during spermatogenesis, promoting sperm differentiation and function. This silencing signal requires piRNA-dependent small RNA biogenesis and loading into downstream nuclear effectors, which correlates with the dynamic reorganization of two distinct perinuclear biomolecular condensates present in germ cells. In addition, the silencing capacity of piRNAs is temporally counteracted by the Argonaute CSR-1, which targets and licenses spermatogenic gene transcription. The spatial and temporal overlap between these opposing small RNA pathways contributes to setting up the timing of the spermatogenic differentiation program. Thus, our work identifies a prominent role for piRNAs as direct regulators of endogenous transcriptional programs during germline development and gamete differentiation.
|
| Volume |
57(2)
|
| Pages |
180-196.e7
|
| Published |
2022-1-24
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.devcel.2021.11.025
|
| PII |
S1534-5807(21)00989-8
|
| PMID |
34921763
|
| PMC |
PMC8796119
|
| MeSH |
Animals
Argonaute Proteins / genetics
Argonaute Proteins / metabolism
Caenorhabditis elegans
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
Cell Differentiation / genetics
DNA Transposable Elements / genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
Gene Silencing / physiology
Germ Cells / metabolism
Male
Phosphoenolpyruvate Sugar Phosphotransferase System / genetics
RNA Interference / physiology
RNA, Messenger / genetics
RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
Spermatogenesis / genetics*
Spermatogenesis / physiology
Transcription, Genetic / genetics
|
| Resource |
| C.elegans |
tm1200
tm892 |
