Tandemly-repeated DNAs, or satellites, are enriched in heterochromatic regions of eukaryotic genomes and contribute to nuclear structure and function. Some satellites are transcribed, but we lack direct evidence that specific satellite RNAs are required for normal organismal functions. Here, we show satellite RNAs derived from AAGAG tandem repeats are transcribed in many cells throughout Drosophila melanogaster development, enriched in neurons and testes, often localized within heterochromatic regions, and important for viability. Strikingly, we find AAGAG transcripts are necessary for male fertility, and that AAGAG RNA depletion results in defective histone-protamine exchange, sperm maturation and chromatin organization. Since these events happen late in spermatogenesis when the transcripts are not detected, we speculate that AAGAG RNA in primary spermatocytes 'primes' post-meiosis steps for sperm maturation. In addition to demonstrating essential functions for AAGAG RNAs, comparisons between closely related Drosophila species suggest that satellites and their transcription evolve quickly to generate new functions.

译文

:串联重复的DNA或卫星在真核生物基因组的异色区域富集,并有助于核结构和功能。一些卫星被转录,但我们缺乏直接证据证明正常机体功能需要特定的卫星RNA。在这里,我们显示了源自AAGAG串联重复序列的卫星RNA在果蝇整个发育过程中的许多细胞中转录,富含神经元和睾丸,通常位于异色区域内,对生存力很重要。令人惊讶的是,我们发现AAGAG转录本对于男性的生育能力是必需的,并且AAGAG RNA耗尽会导致组蛋白-鱼精蛋白交换缺陷,精子成熟和染色质组织缺陷。由于这些事件发生在精子发生的后期,但未检测到转录本,因此我们推测原代精子细胞中的AAGAG RNA会“引发”减数分裂后的精子成熟步骤。除了证明AAGAG RNA的基本功能外,密切相关的果蝇物种之间的比较还表明,卫星及其转录迅速发展以产生新的功能。

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