Genomes on the edge: programmed genome instability in ciliates

Cell. 2013 Jan 31;152(3):406-16. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.01.005.

Abstract

Ciliates are an ancient and diverse group of microbial eukaryotes that have emerged as powerful models for RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance. They possess extensive sets of both tiny and long noncoding RNAs that, together with a suite of proteins that includes transposases, orchestrate a broad cascade of genome rearrangements during somatic nuclear development. This Review emphasizes three important themes: the remarkable role of RNA in shaping genome structure, recent discoveries that unify many deeply diverged ciliate genetic systems, and a surprising evolutionary "sign change" in the role of small RNAs between major species groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Ciliophora / genetics*
  • Genome, Protozoan
  • Genomic Instability*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Protozoan / genetics*
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Protozoan
  • RNA, Untranslated