About this Research Topic
Piwi proteins are regulatory proteins whose major function is known in the maintenance of stem cells and differentiation with respect to germline cells. They are highly conserved RNA-binding proteins interacting with a specialized group of non-coding RNAs named piRNAs. Piwis and piRNAs play a role in the regulation of endogenous gene expression programs not only in germ cells, but also in somatic tissues. Though they are primarily known to be involved in the maintenance of germ stem cells (GSCs), their elevated expression in somatic cells could result in several aberrant cellular functions. It is reported that elevated levels of Piwi homologs and certain piRNAs caused malignant transformation of somatic cells. Likewise, their aberrant expression could lead to various developmental abnormalities. Gathering knowledge about the functional roles of Piwi proteins and piRNAs in development and also in stem cells will unravel the unknown aspects of the developmental process and its anomalies.
This research topic will tackle the different functions of both Piwis and piRNAs during development. The function of these molecules is known with respect to germ cells but less is known about their roles in somatic cells. Their aberrant expression in diseases like cancer has prompted researchers to think beyond germ cells and explore their function in development.
This Research Topic will highlight recent advances in understanding the role of Piwi/piRNAs in stem cell maintenance and development. The editors welcome submissions of various article types (including Original Research, (Mini-)Reviews, and Brief Research Reports) focused on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Piwi/piRNAs in somatic cell development
• Piwi/piRNAs in embryo patterning
• Piwi/piRNAs in stem cell maintenance
• Piwi/piRNAs in fate specification and differentiation of somatic cells
• Piwi/piRNAs in malignant transformation of somatic cells
• Piwi/piRNAs in cellular metabolism.
This research topic will tackle the different functions of both Piwis and piRNAs during development. The function of these molecules is known with respect to germ cells but less is known about their roles in somatic cells. Their aberrant expression in diseases like cancer has prompted researchers to think beyond germ cells and explore their function in development.
This Research Topic will highlight recent advances in understanding the role of Piwi/piRNAs in stem cell maintenance and development. The editors welcome submissions of various article types (including Original Research, (Mini-)Reviews, and Brief Research Reports) focused on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Piwi/piRNAs in somatic cell development
• Piwi/piRNAs in embryo patterning
• Piwi/piRNAs in stem cell maintenance
• Piwi/piRNAs in fate specification and differentiation of somatic cells
• Piwi/piRNAs in malignant transformation of somatic cells
• Piwi/piRNAs in cellular metabolism.
Keywords: Piwi proteins, and piRNAs, in somatic cells, stem cells, fate specification, cellular metabolism, embryo patterning
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
