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Mechanisms seeding the emergence of new piRNAs.

Adrià Mitjavila-Ventura·Tanya Vavouri
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Abstract

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) form an adaptive small RNA system that regulates transposons and some host genes in animal gonads. In this forum, we discuss recent within-species comparisons across flies and mammals that reveal extensive variation in piRNA-producing loci, providing new insights into how piRNAs emerge, diversify, and adapt to new threats.

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AnimalsPiwi-Interacting RNADNA Transposable ElementsEvolution, MolecularHumansRNA, Small InterferingDrosophilaGenetic Variationevolutiongenetic variationpiRNA clusterpiRNAsretrovirustransposable elementsJournal ArticleReview

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BibTeXRIS

Adrià Mitjavila-Ventura, Tanya Vavouri. 2026-05-27. Mechanisms seeding the emergence of new piRNAs.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2026.04.004

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