A Pre-mRNA–Associating Factor Links Endogenous siRNAs to Chromatin Regulation
2011
Linking Small RNAs to Chromatin Regulation in C. elegans
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Burkhart Kirk B., Guang Shouhong, Buckley Bethany A., Wong Lily, Bochner Aaron F., Kennedy Scott
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin Madison
Hypothesis
How do endogenous small regulatory RNAs silence gene expression in metazoan nuclei?
Conclusion
Endogenous small interfering RNAs direct H3K9 methylation in C. elegans, linking small RNAs to chromatin regulation.
Supporting Evidence
- Endo-siRNAs direct H3K9 methylation at genomic loci in C. elegans.
- NRDE-1 is required for RNAi-directed H3K9 methylation.
- NRDE-1 associates with pre-mRNAs that have been targeted by RNAi.
Takeaway
This study shows that tiny RNA molecules help control how genes are turned on or off in worms by changing the structure of DNA.
Methodology
The study used genetic screens, RNA immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation to analyze the role of small RNAs in chromatin regulation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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