Transcripts from multicopy gene families localizing to mouse Y long arm encode piRNAs and proteins

Heterochromatic long arm of mouse Y chromosome harbors the multicopy species-specific sequences Ssty, Sly, Asty, and Orly that are transcribed in testis. Of these Ssty and Sly genes encode proteins - yet all the copies of these RNAs are not translated. Using bioinformatic approaches, small RNA northern blots and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrate here that these multicopy gene families from mouse Y-long arm generate piRNAs predominantly in testis. Thus, we identified a piRNA cluster on mouse Y chromosome and also unraveled the dual role of Y-chromosome-encoded transcripts to act as primary transcripts of piRNAs in addition to their role as protein-coding RNAs.\n\nHIGHLIGHTSO_LIFirst report of a cluster of piRNAs on a mammalian Y chromosome\nC_LIO_LIReport of primary transcripts of piRNAs\nC_LIO_LIThese piRNAs putatively regulate autosomal genes expressed in mouse testis Ssty and Sly genes code for proteins as well as generate piRNAs\nC_LI