Epigenetic control of transposable elements in the mouse male germ line by Tex15

The piRNA biogenesis was evaluated in the mouse testes lacking TEX15. Total small RNAs, MILI-, and MIWI2-associated small RNAs from control (Tex15+/-) and Tex15(-/-) knock-out testes were sequenced. Data analysis revealed that the abundance of miRNAs and piRNAs was comparable between control and Tex15 knock-out testes, suggesting that loss of TEX15 function does not impair piRNA biogenesis. However, the relative abundance of MILI- and MIWI2-bound sense piRNAs derived from transposable elements was increased. Overall design: RNA sequencing was used to identify the effect of TEX15 absence on the global population of total small testicular RNAs and piRNAs associated with MILI and MIWI2.