Piwi like rna-mediated gene silencing 4

Piwi-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 4 (also known as PIWIL4) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PIWIL4 gene. It is a member of the Piwi protein family, which plays a crucial role in gene silencing through the RNA interference pathway.

Function

The PIWIL4 protein is involved in the biogenesis of Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that associate with Piwi proteins. These piRNAs are essential for transposon silencing in germ cells, thereby protecting the integrity of the genome. PIWIL4 is predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a role in spermatogenesis.

Structure

The PIWIL4 protein contains a PAZ (Piwi/Argonaute/Zwille) domain and a PIWI domain. The PAZ domain binds to the 3' end of piRNAs, while the PIWI domain is responsible for the endonuclease activity of the protein.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the PIWIL4 gene have been associated with male infertility, due to defects in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, aberrant expression of PIWIL4 has been observed in various types of cancer, suggesting a potential role in tumorigenesis.

See also

• Piwi protein
• RNA interference
• Piwi-interacting RNA
• Transposon
• Spermatogenesis

External links

• PIWIL4 at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)