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. 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.