# Biogenesis of piRNA and its function in endogenous gene regulation

> **NIH NIH R00** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $248,999

## Abstract

Project Summary
The germline produces gametes that transmit parental epigenetic and genetic information to
offspring. The maintenance of germline and the development of functional gametes require Piwi,
an ancient member of the Argonaute family, and Piwi-interacting small RNAs (piRNA).
Compared to other types of small RNAs (e.g., microRNAs and siRNAs), piRNA biogenesis
remains mysterious largely owing to their exclusive expression in the germline and sequence
diversity between organisms. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made toward
elucidating the function of the piRNA pathway as a defense mechanism against transposable
elements. Yet organisms including worms and mice express thousands of piRNAs that do not
correspond to transposon sequences, suggesting that piRNAs may have alternative functions.
My preliminary findings suggest that C. elegans piRNAs regulate endogenous gene expression
and influence developmental processes. The goal of this proposal is to address fundamental
questions regarding the piRNA pathway: How is piRNA expression controlled at the
transcription level? How are piRNA precursors processed into mature piRNAs? Do piRNAs
regulate the expression of germline genes? And how do they influence cellular and
developmental processes? During the K99 phase of this award, I will: (1) define the
transcription program of piRNA producing loci and chromatin factors associated with piRNA
genes; (2) characterize a cap structure on piRNA precursors and study its role in piRNA
expression; (3) established a cell free system to characterize enzymatic activity of Piwi and
piRNA-processing enzymes. During the R00 phase of the award, I will: (1) continue the in vitro
biochemical studies; (2) determine how piRNAs regulate developmental processes such as
dosage compensation; (3) investigate potential auto-regulation of Piwi expression. Taken
together, the proposed research will provide a framework for studying piRNA biogenesis in C.
elegans and in other species. It will greatly advance our understanding of mechanism and
functions of piRNAs in germline maintenance and gametogenesis. Ultimately the work will
provide new tools and therapies that will improve human fertility and health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10078614
- **Project number:** 5R00GM124460-05
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Wen Tang
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $248,999
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-01 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10078614

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10078614, Biogenesis of piRNA and its function in endogenous gene regulation (5R00GM124460-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10078614. Licensed CC0.

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