Endogenous RNA Interference Provides a Somatic Defense against Drosophila Transposons
Abstract
Summary. Background. Because of the mutagenic consequences of mobile genetic elements, elaborate defenses have evolved to restrict their activity. A major system that controls the activity of transposable elements (TEs) in flies and vertebrates is mediated by Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which are ∼24-30 nucleotide RNAs that are bound by Piwi-class effectors. The piRNA system is thought to provide primarily a germline defense against TE activity.
- Publication:
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Current Biology
- Pub Date:
- June 2008
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2008CBio...18..795C
- Keywords:
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- RNA