Human-specific subcellular compartmentalization of P-element induced wimpy testis-like (PIWIL) granules during germ cell development and spermatogenesis

This study is limited by the restricted number of samples and consequently stages analyzed.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSIn the germline, PIWILs ensure the integrity of the human genome protecting it from ‘parasitic sequences’. This study offers novel insights on the expression dynamics of PIWILs during the window of epigenetic remodeling and meiosis, and highlights important differences between humans and mice, which may prove particularly important to understand causes of infertility and improv e both diagnosis and treatment in humans.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)M.G.F. was funded by Funda ção para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) [SFRH/BD/78689/2011]; N.H. by China Scholarship Council (CSC) [No. 201307040026] and F.W. by Medical Personnel Training Abroad Project of Henan Province [No. 2015022] and S.M.C.d.S.L. by the Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research (NWO) [ASPASIA 015.0 07.037] and the Interuniversity Attraction Poles-Phase VII [IUAP/PAI P7/14]. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research