Two-factor authentication represents a modern approach to securing our digital lives from outside threats; however, research now suggests that this concept may not be so modern. A new study now reveals that male germ cells employ a piRNA-mediated epigenetic “two-factor authentication” strategy to secure the precisely timed DNA methylation-induced silencing of insider threats that impact […]
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C.elegans Studies Worm into the Fundamentals of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance
While a “bird’s-eye view” of a topic can often provide colossal insight, the opposite perspective can sometimes be just as useful! Recently, two fascinating studies of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance have taken a “worm’s-eye view” of this research area to deepen our understanding of this complex mechanism in the model nematode worm C. elegans. C. elegans […]
Epigenetic Heirlooms: The C. elegans Behavioral Legacy is Inherited Through Small RNAs
Some families have heirlooms that get passed down from generation to generation but if you’re a nematode, you might inherit more than just your Grandpa’s pocket watch! The phenomenon of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) was first discovered in Caenorhabditis elegans, where environmental stressors can alter physiological responses in offspring up to 20 generations later! Since […]
Members of the PIWI League Play Important Positions in the Brain
It takes a special kind of small RNA to try out for the PIWI team. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA) are small, have and adenine at their 10th position, an uracil at their 5’ end, and 2’-O-methylation at their 3’ end. This unique physique helps piRNA work with PIWI proteins to defend the germline against an aggressive transposon offense, but […]
The Epididymosome’s Small ncRNA Payload is Critical to Sperm Maturation and Embryonic Development
A coming-of-age can be beautiful thing. Along with all the exciting responsibilities that accompany maturity comes a celebration in many cultures but perhaps most memorable to all who have been through one are the gifts. Now, it seems that sperm are no exception as during their maturation process they acquire the gift of small ncRNAs […]