MORC3, a novel MIWI2 association partner, is an epigenetic regulator of piRNA-dependent transposon silencing.. Mus musculus

PIWI-interacting-RNA (piRNA) pathway plays crucial roles in repression of transposable element (TE) expression via de novo DNA methylation in mouse embryonic male germ cells. Various proteins including PIWI proteins such as MIWI2 are involved in the process. TE silencing is secured by piRNA-guided MIWI2 leading to recruit some effector proteins related to the DNA methylation machinery on TE regions. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the methylation is complex and significant parts remains elusive. In this project, we newly identified MORC3 as MIWI2 binding partner in embryonic germ cells and analyzed the role of MORC3 in piRNA dependent manner.