Divergent composition and transposon-silencing activity of small RNAs in mammalian oocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small RNAs are essential for germ cell development and fertilization. However, fundamental questions remain, such as the level of conservation in small RNA composition between species and whether small RNAs control transposable elements in mammalian oocytes.

Results

Here, we use high-throughput sequencing to profile small RNAs and poly(A)-bearing long RNAs in oocytes of 12 representative vertebrate species (including 11 mammals). The results show that miRNAs are generally expressed in the oocytes of each representative species (although at low levels), whereas endo-siRNAs are specific to mice. Notably, piRNAs are predominant in oocytes of all species (except mice) and vary widely in length. We find PIWIL3-associated piRNAs are widespread in mammals and generally l

SUBMITTER: Hou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10964541 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature