An integrative piRNA analysis of mouse gametes and zygotes reveals new potential origins and gene regulatory roles.

ABSTRACT: Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a subclass of the small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). Their main reported function was to exert control over transposable elements (TEs) in mammalian germline. In this study undertaking a deeper bioinformatics analysis of piRNAs present in mouse oocytes, sperm cells and zygotes, we first elaborated a new piRNA database based on sequences identified as piRNAs by immunoprecipitation with PIWI proteins. Our bioinformatics analysis revealed that, at least in gametes and zygotes, piRNAs could encompass multifunctional cell-dependent regulatory molecules. Indeed, genome analysis of the piRNA mapping density (reads/kb) evidenced in all samples an enrichment of intron-derived piRNAs. Further, piRNA population was classified into sequences not associated to TEs or re

SUBMITTER: Larriba E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6110870 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature