Paramutation in Drosophila linked to emergence of a piRNA-producing locus

摘要: A paramutation occurs between two alleles in the same locus, when one allele induces a heritable mutation another without modifying DNA sequence; now, Drosophila, is shown to be transmissible over generations. Paramutations are epigenetic interactions at given which modification of other sequence. Working Augustin de Vanssay et al. show that clusters P-element-derived transgenes induce strong trans-silencing effect (TSE) can convert homologous transgene incapable TSE into silencers, turn transmit acquired silencing capacity. The mediated by maternal inheritance cytoplasm-carrying Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) transgenes. They paramutated cluster converted stable, piRNA-producing locus and becomes fully paramutagenic itself. Thus authors provide genetic model for emergence piRNA loci, as well RNA-mediated trans-generational repression transposable elements. an interaction through sequence1,2. itself paramutagenic, is, capable epigenetically converting new paramutable allele. Here we describe case animals showing long-term transmission We previously characterized homology-dependent mechanism referred (TSE), involved P-transposable-element germ line3,4,5. now TSE6,7 capacity 50 any need chromosome pairing cytoplasm carrying abolished loss-of-function aubergine gene biogenesis, but not Dicer-2 siRNA production. cluster, producing barely detectable levels piRNAs, Our work provides