Regulation of gene expression by noncoding RNAs
Our lab studies germline small RNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that are used to control transposable elements in the animal germline to ensure proper germ cell development and fertility. We seek to understand molecular mechanisms and machineries involved in their biogenesis. We would also like to uncover how small RNAs guide deposition of DNA methylation on target genomic regions in the mammalian germline.
Keywords
Small RNAs / piRNAs / germline development / transposon repression / epigenetic silencing / noncoding RNA / Piwi proteins / RNA modifications