PiRNA processing by a trimeric Schlafen-domain nuclease.

ABSTRACT: Transposable elements are genomic parasites that expand within and spread between genomes¹. PIWI proteins control transposon activity, notably in the germline^2,3. These proteins recognize their targets through small RNA co-factors named PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), making piRNA biogenesis a key specificity-determining step in this crucial genome immunity system. Although the processing of piRNA precursors is an essential step in this process, many of the molecular details remain unclear. Here, we identify an endoribonuclease, precursor of 21U RNA 5'-end cleavage holoenzyme (PUCH), that initiates piRNA processing in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetic and biochemical studies show that PUCH, a trimer of Schlafen-like-domain proteins (SLFL proteins), executes

SUBMITTER: Podvalnaya N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10567574 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature