Speaker: Prof. Mikiko C. Siomi, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Japan

Time: 18:00-19:00 p.m., December 18, 2023, GMT+8

Venue: Room 101, School of Life Sciences, PKU

Abstract: 

Transposons are foreign DNA elements that co-exist in the genomes of various organisms. Transposons move freely within the host genome, causing DNA damage and mutations in the genome. This may act as a driving force for biological evolution, but it can also cause infertility by failing to develop eggs and/or sperm. Therefore, organisms have acquired the piRNA pathway during evolution to protect their germline genomes by silencing transposons. The importance of the piRNA pathway is clear, as it is conserved in a wide variety of organisms, from nematodes to humans. The importance of piRISC research is also apparent in this regard, as genomic medical research focused on germline-related diseases such as infertility has led to the identification of cases caused by mutations in piRNA-related genes. Our laboratory has been conducting basic research on piRNAs using Drosophila as a model system, and in this meeting, I will share our progress with the participants.

Source: School of Life Sciences, PKU