RNAi pathway integration in Caenorhabditis elegans development

Funct Integr Genomics. 2011 Sep;11(3):389-405. doi: 10.1007/s10142-011-0236-1. Epub 2011 Jul 22.

Abstract

In this review, the pathways involving small RNAs are provided followed by a new and updated network that illustrates their interplay with diverse cellular mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans. The RNA silencing pathways are now recognized as key factors that connect together the many variations in biological processes, including transcriptional gene regulation, post-transcriptional gene silencing, translational gene silencing, apoptosis, meiosis, and antiviral defense. The utilization of small RNAs represents a specific, energy conserving, and fast mechanism of gene regulation via a core system known as RNA interference.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / growth & development*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / virology
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Meiosis / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Viruses / genetics

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Small Interfering