RNA Silencing and rDNA Copy Number Control in Neurospora
Author Information
Author(s): Cecere Germano, Cogoni Carlo
Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Cellulari ed Ematologia, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
Hypothesis
Does the quelling mechanism in Neurospora crassa regulate the integrity and stability of the rDNA locus?
Conclusion
Quelling plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the rDNA locus by controlling the number of rDNA repeats.
Supporting Evidence
- Quelling mutants showed a significant decrease in the number of rDNA repeats.
- Endogenous siRNAs were detected from the NTS region of the rDNA locus.
- Bidirectional transcription from the NTS region suggests a mechanism for siRNA production.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special process in fungi helps keep their DNA stable and prevents it from changing too much.
Methodology
The study used northern blotting, RT-PCR, and quantitative PCR to analyze siRNAs and rDNA copy numbers in Neurospora strains.
Limitations
The low levels of transcripts from the NTS region limited the ability to perform a quantitative analysis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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