Britton, C. , Laing, R. and Devaney, E. (2020) Small RNAs in parasitic nematodes - forms and functions. Parasitology, 147(8), pp. 855-864. (doi: 10.1017/S0031182019001689) (PMID:31843030) (PMCID:PMC7284814)
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Abstract
Small RNAs are important regulators of gene expression. They were first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, but it is now apparent that the main small RNA silencing pathways are functionally conserved across diverse organisms. Availability of genome data for an increasing number of parasitic nematodes has enabled bioinformatic identification of small RNA sequences. Expression of these in different lifecycle stages is revealed by small RNA sequencing and microarray analysis. In this review we describe what is known of the three main small RNA classes in parasitic nematodes – microRNAs (miRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) – and their proposed functions. miRNAs regulate development in C. elegans and the temporal expression of parasitic nematode miRNAs suggest modulation of target gene levels as parasites develop within the host. miRNAs are also present in extracellular vesicles released by nematodes in vitro, and in plasma from infected hosts, suggesting potential regulation of host gene expression. Roles of piRNAs and siRNAs in suppressing target genes, including transposable elements, are also reviewed. Recent successes in RNAi-mediated gene silencing, and application of small RNA inhibitors and mimics will continue to advance understanding of small RNA functions within the parasite and at the host–parasite interface.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This research was also funded by the Wellcome Trust (086823/Z/08/Z). |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Devaney, Professor Eileen and Laing, Dr Roz and Britton, Professor Collette |
| Authors: | Britton, C., Laing, R., and Devaney, E. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Parasitology |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| ISSN: | 0031-1820 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1469-8161 |
| Published Online: | 17 December 2019 |
| First Published: | First published in Parasitology 147(8): 855-864 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons license |
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