Environmentally-induced epigenetic conversion of a piRNA cluster

ABSTRACT: Transposable element (TE) activity is repressed in animal gonads by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) produced by piRNA clusters. Current models propose that piRNA clusters are functionally defined by the maternal inheritance of piRNAs produced during the previous generation. Taking advantage of an inactive cluster of P-element derived transgene insertions in Drosophila melanogaster, we show here that raising flies at high temperature (29°C) instead of 25°C results in stable conversion of this locus into an active piRNAs producing one reporting thus the first case of the establishment of an active piRNA cluster by environmental changes and without maternal inheritance of homologous piRNAs.

ORGANISM(S): Drosophila melanogaster

PROVIDER: GSE116122 | GEO | 2019/03/14

REPOSITORIES: GEO