Dynamic subcellular compartmentalization ensures the fidelity of piRNA biogenesis in silkworm cells

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) guide PIWI proteins to silence transposable elements and safeguard fertility in germ cells. Many protein factors required for piRNA biogenesis localize to perinuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates named nuage, where target silencing and piRNA amplification are thought to occur. In mice, but not in fruit flies, some of the piRNA factors are found in discrete cytoplasmic foci called processing bodies (P-bodies). However, the dynamics and biological significance of such compartmentalization of the piRNA pathway remain unclear. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism and biological significance of dynamic subcellular compartmentalization in silkworm BmN4 cells.