Otiwi1-interacting RNAs at four time points during Oxytricha conjugation
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ABSTRACT: Genome duality in ciliated protozoa offers a unique system to showcase their epigenome as a model of inheritance. In Oxytricha, the somatic genome is responsible for vegetative growth, while the germline contributes DNA to the next sexual generation. Somatic nuclear development eliminates all transposons and other "junk DNA", which constitute ~95% of the germline. We demonstrate that Piwi-interacting small RNAs (piRNAs) from the maternal nucleus can specify genomic regions for retention in this process. Oxytricha piRNAs map primarily to the somatic genome, representing the ~5% of the germline that is retained. Furthermore, injection of synthetic piRNAs corresponding to normally-deleted regions leads to their retention in subsequent generations. Our findings highlight small RNAs as powerful transgenerational carriers of epigenetic information for genome programming.
ORGANISM(S): Sterkiella histriomuscorum
PROVIDER: GSE35018 | GEO | 2012/09/01
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA151153
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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