Global characterization and target identification of piRNAs and endo-siRNAs in mouse gametes and zygotes

• The expression profiles of rasRNAs are different in oocytes and spermatozoa.
• The major piRNA group found in gametes was derived from tRNA and rRNA processing.
• mRNAs are identified as potential targets of piRNAs in gametes and zygotes.
• The “ping-pong” amplification of piRNAs is not restricted to male gametogenesis.

A set of small RNAs known as rasRNAs (repeat-associated small RNAs) have been related to the down-regulation of Transposable Elements (TEs) to safeguard genome integrity. Two key members of the rasRNAs group are piRNAs and endo-siRNAs. We have performed a comparative analysis of piRNAs and endo-siRNAs present in mouse oocytes, spermatozoa and zygotes, identified by deep sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The detection of piRNAs and endo-siRNAs in the spermatozoa and revealed also in zygotes, hints to their potential delivery to oocytes during fertilization. However, a comparative assessment of the three cell types indicates that both piRNAs and endo-siRNAs are mainly maternally inherited. Finally, we have assessed the role of the different rasRNA molecules in connection with amplification processes by way of the “ping-pong cycle”. Our results suggest that the ping-pong cycle can act on other rasRNAs, such as tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments, thus not only being restricted to TEs during gametogenesis.