Planting the seeds for a forest of RNAi pathways

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Small RNAs in epigenetic inheritance: from mechanisms to trait transmission

Germano Cecere

Summary: While genetic information was traditionally thought to be transmitted primarily through the genome, recent research has shown the presence of epigenetic inheritance in animals. Small RNAs play a crucial role in transmitting epigenetic information across generations in animals, influencing complex traits such as fertility, stress responses, infections, and behavior. The understanding of the molecular pathways and mechanisms responsible for epigenetic inheritance in animals is undergoing a radical shift due to the discovery of small RNAs as epigenetic molecules capable of transmitting traits across generations.

FEBS LETTERS (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structure and RNA template requirements of Arabidopsis RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 2

Akihito Fukudome et al.

Summary: RNA-dependent RNA polymerases play essential roles in RNA-mediated gene silencing in Arabidopsis, where they physically interact with DNA-dependent nuclear RNA polymerase IV to synthesize double-stranded RNAs for gene silencing. The structure of RDR2 shows similarity to DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, with a catalytic center and RNA recognition motif. The displacement of RNA 3' end during transcription suggests a model where Pol IV arrest and backtracking allow RDR2 to engage RNA for synthesis.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2021)

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Article Ecology