Abstract：
Discovered two decades ago, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical roles in gene regulation, transposon element repression, and antiviral defense. Dysregulation of piRNAs has been noted in diverse human diseases including cancers. Recently, extensive studies have revealed that many more proteins are involved in piRNA biogenesis. This review will summarize the recent progress in piRNA biogenesis and functions, especially the molecular mechanisms by which piRNA biogenesis-related proteins contribute to piRNA processing.
摘要：
二十年前发现的，Piwi相互作用RNA（piRNAs）在基因调控中发挥关键作用，转座子元件抑制，和抗病毒防御。已经注意到piRNA的失调在包括癌症的多种人类疾病中。最近,广泛的研究表明，更多的蛋白质参与piRNA的生物发生。本文就近年来piRNA的生物发生和功能研究进展作一综述。特别是piRNA生物发生相关蛋白参与piRNA加工的分子机制。
