Small RNA-mediated genetic switches coordinate ALG-3/4 small RNA pathway function

Abstract Coordination of gene regulatory networks is necessary for proper execution of cellular programs throughout development. RNA interference (RNAi) is an essential regulatory mechanism in all metazoans. Proper RNAi-mediated gene regulation requires coordination of several RNAi branches to ensur...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Nucleic acids research Vol. 52; no. 16; pp. 9431 - 9449
Main Authors:	Sen, Trilotma, McCormick, Cara, Rogers, Alicia K
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	England Oxford University Press 09-09-2024
Subjects:	Animals Argonaute Proteins - genetics Argonaute Proteins - metabolism Caenorhabditis elegans - genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins - genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins - metabolism Gene Expression Regulation Gene regulation, Chromatin and Epigenetics Male RNA Interference RNA, Small Interfering - genetics RNA, Small Interfering - metabolism Spermatogenesis - genetics Spermatozoa - metabolism
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Abstract Coordination of gene regulatory networks is necessary for proper execution of cellular programs throughout development. RNA interference (RNAi) is an essential regulatory mechanism in all metazoans. Proper RNAi-mediated gene regulation requires coordination of several RNAi branches to ensure homeostasis. For example, in Caenorhabditis elegans, the Argonautes, ALG-3 and ALG-4, are expressed specifically during spermatogenesis (L4 stage) and bind small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) complementary to sperm-enriched genes. We find that alg-3 and alg-4 are regulated by siRNAs. Our work shows that gene switches are operated via these siRNAs to regulate the Argonautes’ expression in a temporal manner. This RNAi-to-RNAi regulatory cascade is essential for coordinating ALG-3/4 pathway function, particularly during heat stress, to provide thermotolerant sperm-based fertility. This work provides insight into one regulatory motif used to maintain RNAi homeostasis, across developmental stages, despite environmental stressors. As RNAi pathways are evolutionarily conserved, other species likely use similar regulatory architectures to maintain RNAi homeostasis. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	0305-1048 1362-4962 1362-4962
DOI:	10.1093/nar/gkae586