Molecular function of Qin and Spn-E in piRNA biogenesis

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06483
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 43010:Molecular biology-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Nishida Kazumichi 東京大学, 大学院理学系研究科(理学部), 特任講師 (10598436)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: piRNA / Qin / Spn-E / トランスポゾン / 生殖細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Qin and Spn-E are essential for piRNA biogenesis in germ cell. In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular functions of both factors using silkworm ovary-derived BmN4 cells.
Under the downregulation of Qin, numerous capsid-like structures were observed in the cytoplasm, indicating that Qin suppresses the formation of transposon capsid-like structures. Furthermore, Qin was suggested to be a specific repressor of Cd expression. We also detected Cd-piRNA precursors that accumulated under the repression of Qin expression by Northern blotting. The results revealed that Cd-piRNA precursors were attached with polyA and formed a complex with Qin.

Free Research Field

RNA生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、Spn-EとQinが、第一次経路でどのようにして異なるpiRNAの生成で機能するのかに焦点をあてて解析を進め、piRNA生合成経路の解明をする。本研究の解析が進捗することにより、倫理的な面や材料の確保から解析が難しいヒトなどの哺乳類へpiRNA生合成経路への解明に繋がり、piRNA生合成経路を応用して不妊治療などの医療へと繋がると期待される。