PIWI-interacting (pi)RNAs are small silencing RNAs that are crucial for the defense against transposable elements in germline tissues of animals. In Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the piRNA pathway also contributes to gene regulation in somatic tissues, illustrating additional roles for piRNAs and PIWI proteins besides transposon repression. Here, we identify a highly abundant endogenous piRNA (propiR1) that associates with both Piwi4 and Piwi5. PropiR1-mediated target silencing requires base-pairing in the seed region with supplemental base-pairing at the piRNA 3′ end. Yet, propiR1 represses a limited set of targets, among which is the lncRNA AAEL027353 (lnc027353). Slicing of lnc027353 initiates production of responder and trailer piRNAs from the cleavage fragment. Expression of propiR1 commences early during embryonic development and mediates degradation of maternally provided lnc027353. Both propiR1 and its lncRNA target are conserved in the closely related Aedes albopictus mosquito, underscoring the importance of this regulatory network for mosquito development.

中文翻译：

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一个 piRNA-lncRNA 调控网络在蚊子胚胎发育过程中启动响应者和拖车 piRNA 的形成

PIWI 相互作用 (pi) RNA 是小的沉默 RNA，对于防御动物生殖系组织中的转座因子至关重要。在埃及伊蚊中，piRNA 通路也有助于体细胞组织中的基因调控，说明 piRNA 和 PIWI 蛋白除了转座子抑制之外还有其他作用。在这里，我们确定了与 Piwi4 和 Piwi5 相关的高度丰富的内源性 piRNA (propiR1)。PropiR1 介导的目标沉默需要在种子区域进行碱基配对，并在 piRNA 3' 端进行补充碱基配对。然而，propiR1 抑制一组有限的目标，其中包括 lncRNA AAEL027353 ( lnc027353 )。lnc027353的切片启动从切割片段产生响应者和尾随 piRNA。propiR1 的表达在胚胎发育早期开始并介导母体提供的lnc027353的降解。propiR1 及其 lncRNA 靶标在密切相关的白纹伊蚊中都是保守的，强调了这种调控网络对蚊子发育的重要性。