Project description:Heterochromatin, representing the silenced state of transcription, largely consists of transposon-enriched and highly repetitive sequences. Implicated in heterochromatin formation and transcriptional silencing in Drosophila are PIWI and repeat-associated small interfering RNAs (rasiRNAs). Despite this, the role of PIWI in rasiRNA expression and heterochromatic silencing remains unknown. Here we report the identification and characterization of 12,903 PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in Drosophila, demonstrating that rasiRNAs represent a subset of piRNAs. Keywords: PIWI, piRNA, epigenetic regulation, heterochromatin
Project description:Heterochromatin, representing the silenced state of transcription, largely consists of transposon-enriched and highly repetitive sequences. Implicated in heterochromatin formation and transcriptional silencing in Drosophila are PIWI and repeat-associated small interfering RNAs (rasiRNAs). Despite this, the role of PIWI in rasiRNA expression and heterochromatic silencing remains unknown. Here we report the identification and characterization of 12,903 PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in Drosophila, demonstrating that rasiRNAs represent a subset of piRNAs. Keywords: PIWI, piRNA, epigenetic regulation, heterochromatin PIWI-associated small RNA cDNA library was sequenced for one time by high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing. Putative small RNA sequences were extracted and BLAST against the Drosophila melanogaster genome release 5. Presented here is a list of non-redundant PIWI-associated small RNAs, which have at least one genome match determined by BLASTn.
Project description:Drosophila Piwi-family proteins have been implicated in transposon control. Here, we examine piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) associated with each Drosophila Piwi protein and find that Piwi and Aubergine bind RNAs that are predominantly antisense to transposons, whereas Ago3 complexes contain predominantly sense piRNAs. As in mammals, the majority of Drosophila piRNAs are derived from discrete genomic loci. These loci comprise mainly defective transposon sequences, and some have previously been identified as master regulators of transposon activity. Our data suggest that heterochromatic piRNA loci interact with potentially active, euchromatic transposons to form an adaptive system for transposon control. Complementary relationships between sense and antisense piRNA populations suggest an amplification loop wherein each piRNA-directed cleavage event generates the 5’ end of a new piRNA. Thus, sense piRNAs, formed following cleavage of transposon mRNAs, may enhance production of antisense piRNAs, complementary to active elements, by directing cleavage of transcripts from master control loci. Keywords: small RNA libraries from Drosophila ovaries
Project description:Accurate genome assemblies are critical for understanding small RNA-mediated genome defense. In animals, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway protects genome integrity by silencing transposable elements. Studying how piRNAs are generated and how they guide heterochromatin formation requires complete reconstruction of genomic piRNA source loci and detailed transposon maps. Here, we present a high-quality de novo genome assembly of Drosophila melanogaster ovarian somatic cells (OSCs), a widely used cell line that recapitulates nuclear piRNA biology. The OSC genome differs substantially from the reference genome, with major differences in transposon content and piRNA cluster composition. Our assembly resolves the 700 kb flamenco locus, the primary piRNA cluster in OSCs, and provides a genome-wide transposon map. Using this resource, we characterize piRNA source loci, reveal how piRNA cluster composition determines transposon-derived piRNA profiles, and clarify the widespread impact of the nuclear piRNA pathway on heterochromatin. Finally, we provide an open platform for integrating user-generated datasets with the OSC genome, creating a community resource for studying transposon control and piRNA biology.
Project description:Accurate genome assemblies are critical for understanding small RNA-mediated genome defense. In animals, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway protects genome integrity by silencing transposable elements. Studying how piRNAs are generated and how they guide heterochromatin formation requires complete reconstruction of genomic piRNA source loci and detailed transposon maps. Here, we present a high-quality de novo genome assembly of Drosophila melanogaster ovarian somatic cells (OSCs), a widely used cell line that recapitulates nuclear piRNA biology. The OSC genome differs substantially from the reference genome, with major differences in transposon content and piRNA cluster composition. Our assembly resolves the 700 kb flamenco locus, the primary piRNA cluster in OSCs, and provides a genome-wide transposon map. Using this resource, we characterize piRNA source loci, reveal how piRNA cluster composition determines transposon-derived piRNA profiles, and clarify the widespread impact of the nuclear piRNA pathway on heterochromatin. Finally, we provide an open platform for integrating user-generated datasets with the OSC genome, creating a community resource for studying transposon control and piRNA biology.
Project description:Accurate genome assemblies are critical for understanding small RNA-mediated genome defense. In animals, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway protects genome integrity by silencing transposable elements. Studying how piRNAs are generated and how they guide heterochromatin formation requires complete reconstruction of genomic piRNA source loci and detailed transposon maps. Here, we present a high-quality de novo genome assembly of Drosophila melanogaster ovarian somatic cells (OSCs), a widely used cell line that recapitulates nuclear piRNA biology. The OSC genome differs substantially from the reference genome, with major differences in transposon content and piRNA cluster composition. Our assembly resolves the 700 kb flamenco locus, the primary piRNA cluster in OSCs, and provides a genome-wide transposon map. Using this resource, we characterize piRNA source loci, reveal how piRNA cluster composition determines transposon-derived piRNA profiles, and clarify the widespread impact of the nuclear piRNA pathway on heterochromatin. Finally, we provide an open platform for integrating user-generated datasets with the OSC genome, creating a community resource for studying transposon control and piRNA biology.
Project description:Accurate genome assemblies are critical for understanding small RNA-mediated genome defense. In animals, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway protects genome integrity by silencing transposable elements. Studying how piRNAs are generated and how they guide heterochromatin formation requires complete reconstruction of genomic piRNA source loci and detailed transposon maps. Here, we present a high-quality de novo genome assembly of Drosophila melanogaster ovarian somatic cells (OSCs), a widely used cell line that recapitulates nuclear piRNA biology. The OSC genome differs substantially from the reference genome, with major differences in transposon content and piRNA cluster composition. Our assembly resolves the 700 kb flamenco locus, the primary piRNA cluster in OSCs, and provides a genome-wide transposon map. Using this resource, we characterize piRNA source loci, reveal how piRNA cluster composition determines transposon-derived piRNA profiles, and clarify the widespread impact of the nuclear piRNA pathway on heterochromatin. Finally, we provide an open platform for integrating user-generated datasets with the OSC genome, creating a community resource for studying transposon control and piRNA biology.