RNAi versus transposons

What is it about?

Defending the genome against invading transposons is essential for most organisms. While the task remains the same, different taxa have evolved an astonishing variety of pathways that all rely on the principle of RNA interference (RNAi). This review sums up what we know about RNA-based transposon defense mechanisms in the eukaryotic part of the tree of life, ranging from protozoans to mammals, including most recent findings that continue to expand the ever-growing world of RNAi.

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Why is it important?

The small RNA universe is expanding very fast. New pathways, players, mechanisms and functions are discovered at an enormous pace in more and more species, including animals, plants, fungi, ciliates, bacteria and archaea. By summarizing our current knowledge on the highly diverse systems of RNAi-based transposon defense in eukaryotes we aim to give a comprehensive review of this fascinating topic.