The 3' termini of mouse Piwi-interacting RNAs are 2'-O-methylated

Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2007 Apr;14(4):349-50. doi: 10.1038/nsmb1220. Epub 2007 Mar 25.

Abstract

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a germline-specific class of small noncoding RNAs that are essential for spermatogenesis, but their function and biogenesis remain elusive. Here we report a post-transcriptional modification of mouse piRNAs. Mass spectrometric analysis reveals that the piRNAs tested are fully modified by 2'-O-methylation at their 3' termini. This observation may provide a clue to the biogenesis and function of piRNAs in spermatogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argonaute Proteins
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Methylation
  • Mice
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA / chemistry*
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional*
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Argonaute Proteins
  • Piwil1 protein, mouse
  • Proteins
  • RNA