Endogenous siRNAs and piRNAs derived from transposable elements and genes in the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles gambiae

摘要: The siRNA and piRNA pathways have been shown in insects to be essential for regulation of gene expression defence against exogenous endogenous genetic elements (viruses transposable elements). vast majority small RNAs produced by the originate from repetitive or (TE). In D. melanogaster, TE-derived siRNAs piRNAs are involved genome surveillance maintenance integrity. medically relevant malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae TEs constitute 12-16% size. Genetic variations induced TE activities known shape landscape alter fitness An. gambiae. Here, using bioinformatics approaches we analyzed RNA data sets 6 libraries formally reported a previous study examined mixed germline/somatic adult females. We characterized large population piRNAs, which constitutes 56-60% total reads analysed libraries. Moreover, identified number protein coding genes producing gene-specific that were generally expressed at much lower levels than TE-associated RNAs. Detailed sequence analysis revealed both “ping-pong” dependent (TE-associated piRNAs) independent mechanisms (genic piRNAs). Similarly more 90% detected clusters also found biotic stress as blood feeding infection with Plasmodium parasite, etiological agent malaria, modulated diverse set endogenously derived share common distinct aspects across insect species, inferred their impact on activity TE-specific represent an important aspect stability variation, might strong evolution vector competence mosquitoes.