Comparative Analysis of Argonaute-Dependent Small RNA Pathways in Drosophila

Rui Zhou, Ikuko Hotta, Ahmet M. Denli, Pengyu Hong, Norbert Perrimon, Gregory J. Hannon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

92 Scopus citations

Abstract

The specificity of RNAi pathways is determined by several classes of small RNAs, which include siRNAs, piRNAs, endo-siRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs). These small RNAs are invariably incorporated into large Argonaute (Ago)-containing effector complexes known as RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs), which they guide to silencing targets. Both genetic and biochemical strategies have yielded conserved molecular components of small RNA biogenesis and effector machineries. However, given the complexity of these pathways, there are likely to be additional components and regulators that remain to be uncovered. We have undertaken a comparative and comprehensive RNAi screen to identify genes that impact three major Ago-dependent small RNA pathways that operate in Drosophila S2 cells. We identify subsets of candidates that act positively or negatively in siRNA, endo-siRNA, and miRNA pathways. Our studies indicate that many components are shared among all three Argonaute-dependent silencing pathways, though each is also impacted by discrete sets of genes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)592-599
Number of pages8
JournalMolecular cell
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 21 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • PROTEINS
  • RNA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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