Stress-induced tRNA-derived RNAs: a novel class of small RNAs in the primitive eukaryote Giardia lamblia.

ABSTRACT: Giardia lamblia is an early diverging and evolutionarily successful protozoan as it can enter into a dormant cyst stage from a vegetative trophozoite. During dormant stage, its metabolic rate decreases dramatically. However, to date, the regulatory molecules participating in the initiation and maintenance of this process have not been fully investigated. In this study, we have identified a class of abundant small RNAs named sitRNAs, which are approximately 46 nucleotides in length and accumulate in G. lamblia encysting cultures. Remarkably, they are derived from the 3' portion of fully matured tRNAs by cleavage of the anticodon left arm, with the 3' terminal CCA triplex still connected. During differentiation, only a limited portion of mature tRNAs is cleaved, but this cleavage occurs almo

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2577346 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature