Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Piotr Limanowka, Blazej Ochman, Elzbieta Swietochowska
Summary: In recent years, scientists have become interested in PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) due to their potential implications in cancer. Research has shown their expression can be linked to malignant diseases, particularly in tumor tissues. However, obtaining these samples can be invasive, so researchers have explored using liquid biopsy as an alternative. Various piRNAs have been found to be expressed in bodily fluids and their expression differs significantly between cancer patients and healthy individuals. Hence, this review aims to assess the use of liquid biopsy with piRNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Zhuang Jing, Yang Xi, Jin Yin, Han Shuwen
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide with piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a type of non-coding RNA, being closely linked to its occurrence and development. Studies have shown that piRNAs regulate CRC by modulating multiple molecular signaling pathways, suggesting their potential as molecular targets for CRC treatment.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xiaolong He, Bei Li, Shaoyin Fu, Biao Wang, Yunxia Qi, Lai Da, Rigele Te, Suzhen Sun, Yongbin Liu, Wenguang Zhang
Summary: This study identified numerous piRNAs and piRNA clusters in the testes of two breeds of Mongolian sheep, with specific piRNA expression patterns observed between the low- and high-reproductive rate breeds. Functional pathway analysis suggested a potential link between piRNAs and male fecundity in sheep, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying differences in fertility between the two breeds.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Xinrui Ma, Xi Niu, Shihui Huang, Sheng Li, Xueqin Ran, Jiafu Wang, Xinlan Dai
Summary: The piRNA pathway is important for defense against transposable elements and post-transcriptional gene regulation. This study analyzed piRNAs in the testes of Xiang pigs at different ages and found changes in piRNA composition and expression patterns during testis development. The study also identified specific piRNAs and genes enriched by piRNA reads, suggesting their involvement in spermatogenesis. These findings provide insights into the role of the piRNA pathway in the development of Xiang pigs and its potential impact on sexual maturation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Byapti Ghosh, Arijita Sarkar, Sudip Mondal, Namrata Bhattacharya, Sunirmal Khatua, Zhumur Ghosh
Summary: piRNAQuest V.2 is an updated database with new features such as density-based cluster prediction, piRNA expression profile, and piRNA target prediction. It includes information on piRNAs for multiple species, allowing users to explore detailed information on piRNA, including their expression profiles in disease systems.
Review
Oncology
Yiwei Li, Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak, Philip A. Philip, Asfar S. Azmi, Ramzi M. Mohammad
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly deadly disease with high mortality rates due to the lack of early diagnosis and effective therapy. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs such as long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and piwi-interacting RNA play crucial roles in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. These non-coding RNAs have emerged as potential novel biomarkers for improving the management of pancreatic cancer.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tao Mi, Xiaojun Tan, Zhang Wang, Zhaoxia Zhang, Liming Jin, Jinkui Wang, Mujie Li, Xin Wu, Dawei He
Summary: The study found that piRNA-MW557525 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in neuroblastoma (NB) and may serve as an innovative biomarker and possible therapeutic target for NB.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria C. Ow, Sarah E. Hall
Summary: Small non-coding RNAs have been identified as powerful regulators of cellular processes, with critical roles in maintaining the integrity of reproductive and soma systems. In addition, they play vital functions in the animal nervous system, including restricting harmful elements, regulating nerve regeneration, and mediating learning and memory processes. Studying the dysregulation of these pathways can provide insights into human neurological disorders.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nina Weigert, Anna-Lena Schweiger, Jonas Gross, Marie Matthes, Selim Corbacioglu, Gunhild Sommer, Tilman Heise
Summary: In this study, a small non-coding RNA called snc7SL RNA was identified and its cellular localization was determined using live cell imaging. The results showed that snc7SL RNA predominantly localizes to the nucleus, which differs from its precursor 7SL RNA in cellular localization.
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Yajun Liu, Guo Xie, Aimin Li, Zongzhen He, Xinhong Hei
Summary: This study explored the functions of piRNAs and identified cancer subtypes based on transcriptome and somatic mutation data. It found that certain cancer subtypes were significantly associated with survival and that piRNA function was closely related to cancer hallmarks and contributed to cancer initiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PATTERN RECOGNITION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Xu Wang, Pu Huang, Mengyue Lei, Ying Ma, Hongli Chen, Jing Sun, Yunzhang Hu, Jiandong Shi
Summary: This study systematically investigated the expression characteristics of piRNAs in HSV-1-infected human lung fibroblasts and identified 69 differentially expressed piRNAs. These piRNAs were mainly involved in antiviral immunity and various human disease-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, two piRNAs that potentially regulate HSV-1 replication were screened.
Article
Neurosciences
Charannya Sozheesvari Subhramanyam, Qiong Cao, Cheng Wang, Zealyn Shi-Lin Heng, Zhihong Zhou, Qidong Hu
Summary: piRNAs can regulate neuronal gene expression during neuronal differentiation and interact with specific RNA-binding proteins, providing new avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaobing Huang, Changliang Wang, Tianjiao Zhang, Rongzhen Li, Liang Chen, Ka Lai Leung, Merja Lakso, Qinghua Zhou, Hongjie Zhang, Garry Wong
Summary: PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play important roles in regulating gene expression and neurodegeneration. This study found dysregulated expression of piRNAs in disease models and brain samples of Parkinson's disease patients, suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of Lewy body diseases. The results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Trisha Chattopadhyay, Priyajit Biswal, Anthony Lalruatfela, Bibekanand Mallick
Summary: This study investigates the roles and clinical implications of piRNAs and their PIWI protein partners in HNSCC and suggests that piRNAs have the potential to be promising ncRNA candidates for cancer therapeutic intervention.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-REVIEWS ON CANCER
(2022)
Article
Biology
Hemakumar M. Reddy, Rupa Bhattacharya, Shrish Tiwari, Kankadeb Mishra, Pranatharthi Annapurna, Zeenath Jehan, Nissankararao Mary Praveena, Jomini Liza Alex, Vishnu M. Dhople, Lalji Singh, Mahadevan Sivaramakrishnan, Anurag Chaturvedi, Nandini Rangaraj, Thomas Michael Shiju, Badanapuram Sreedevi, Sachin Kumar, Ram Reddy Dereddi, Sunayana M. Rayabandla, Rachel A. Jesudasan
Summary: A study identified novel male-specific Y long arm-derived noncoding RNAs in mice, which may regulate the expression of several autosomal genes through piRNAs. The sperm phenotypes of Yq-deleted mice are similar to those reported in inter-specific male-sterile hybrids, suggesting a potential role of these noncoding RNAs in male sterility and speciation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ashutosh Arun, Kayla J. Rayford, Ayorinde Cooley, Tanu Rana, Girish Rachakonda, Fernando Villalta, Siddharth Pratap, Maria F. Lima, Nader Sheibani, Pius N. Nde
Summary: The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi uses the Wnt/beta-catenin and Hippo signaling pathways to infect host cells, with the protein TSP1 playing an important role. In the absence of TSP1, parasite infection leads to increased nuclear colocalization of beta-catenin/YAP, and inhibiting the beta-catenin pathway can significantly reduce parasite infectivity.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kayla J. Rayford, Ayorinde Cooley, Ashutosh Arun, Girish Rachakonda, Fernando Villalta, Maria F. Lima, Siddarth Pratap, Pius N. Nde
Article
Oncology
Chenjie Zeng, Lisa A. Bastarache, Ran Tao, Eric Venner, Scott Hebbring, Justin D. Andujar, Sarah T. Bland, David R. Crosslin, Siddharth Pratap, Ayorinde Cooley, Jennifer A. Pacheco, Kurt D. Christensen, Emma Perez, Carrie L. Blout Zawatsky, Leora Witkowski, Hana Zouk, Chunhua Weng, Kathleen A. Leppig, Patrick M. A. Sleiman, Hakon Hakonarson, Marc. S. Williams, Yuan Luo, Gail P. Jarvik, Robert C. Green, Wendy K. Chung, Ali G. Gharavi, Niall J. Lennon, Heidi L. Rehm, Richard A. Gibbs, Josh F. Peterson, Dan M. Roden, Georgia L. Wiesner, Joshua C. Denny
Summary: This study utilized large datasets from three cohorts to identify associations between hereditary cancer genes and various phenotypes, highlighting the potential benefits of early detection and better management of cancer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fidel Soto-Gonzalez, Anuj Tripathi, Ayorinde Cooley, Victor Paromov, Tanu Rana, Minu Chaudhuri
Summary: In this study, the interaction and colocalization of TbTIM17 and TbTRAP1 in Trypanosoma brucei mitochondria were identified. TbTRAP1 plays a critical role in the refolding of TbTim17 and the assembly of the TbTIM17 complex. Knockdown of TbTRAP1 leads to reduced cell growth and decreased levels of mitochondrial complexes.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jelonia T. T. Rumph, Victoria R. R. Stephens, Sharareh Ameli, LaKendria K. K. Brown, Kayla J. J. Rayford, Pius N. N. Nde, Kevin G. G. Osteen, Kaylon L. L. Bruner-Tran
Summary: New bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a neonatal disease caused by inflammation of the lung, which can be worsened by intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth, and formula feeding. Research on mice shows that a paternal history of TCDD exposure increases the risk of BPD, while a paternal preconception fish oil diet prevents its development. The fish oil diet reduces lung inflammation and improves pregnancy outcomes. Targeting paternal factors along with maternal strategies may effectively prevent BPD in newborns.
Article
Immunology
Kayla J. J. Rayford, Ayorinde Cooley, Anthony W. W. Strode, Inmar Osi, Ashutosh Arun, Maria F. F. Lima, Smita Misra, Siddharth Pratap, Pius N. N. Nde
Summary: Trypanosoma cruzi is the cause of Chagas Disease, which has significant impacts on health and economics globally. This study investigates the dysregulation of a type of small noncoding RNA called piRNAs during early T. cruzi infection, and predicts their interactions with mRNA. The findings suggest that piRNAs play important roles in infection and pathogenesis, and could potentially be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for infectious diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kayla Rayford, Ayorinde Cooley, Anthony Strode, Inmar Osi, Ashutosh Arun, Siddharth Pratap, Pius Nde
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayorinde Cooley, Kayla Rayford, Ashutosh Arun, Pius Nde, Siddharth Pratap
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ayorinde Cooley, Kayla J. Rayford, Ashutosh Arun, Fernando Villalta, Maria F. Lima, Siddharth Pratap, Pius N. Nde
Summary: This study reveals that the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi dysregulates host piRNAs to interfere with the IL-6 signaling pathway during early infection, leading to severe cardiomyopathies. Through computational prediction, specific piRNAs targeting IL-6 and SOCS3 genes were identified. The expression of these piRNAs and target genes was validated in challenged cells. The findings suggest that targeting piRNAs could be a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate T. cruzi-induced cardiac disorders.
Article
Microbiology
Amita R. R. Banga, Konjeti R. R. Sekhar, Kayla J. J. Rayford, Ashutosh Arun, Peace Odiase, Amar P. P. Garg, Maria F. F. Lima, Pius N. N. Nde, Fernando Villalta, Girish Rachakonda
Summary: This study found that xanthine analogs that inhibit T. cruzi PDE can suppress the development of Chagas disease, providing new therapeutic options for this disease.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)