Chemicals and Drugs

Piwi-Interacting RNA

A class of small RNAs that are 24–31 nucleotides in length. They associate with the PIWI SUBFAMILY OF ARGONAUTE PROTEINS to form effector complexes known as piRNA-induced silencing complexes, which repress transposons via transcriptional or posttranscriptional mechanisms and maintain germline genome integrity. In addition to their role in transposon silencing, piRNAs in diverse organisms function in the regulation of cellular genes.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A class of small RNAs that are 24–31 nucleotides in length. They associate with the PIWI SUBFAMILY OF ARGONAUTE PROTEINS to form effector complexes known as piRNA-induced silencing complexes, which repress transposons via transcriptional or posttranscriptional mechanisms and maintain germline genome integrity. In addition to their role in transposon silencing, piRNAs in diverse organisms function in the regulation of cellular genes.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

5 entry terms
  • RNA, Piwi-Interacting
  • piRNA
  • piRNAs
  • Piwi Interacting RNA
  • RNA, Piwi Interacting

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

29 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

2023; use RNA,SMALL INTERFERING 2008-2022

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • RNA, Small Interfering (2006-2022)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. D13.150.650w.700w.500w
  2. D13.444w.735w.150w.700w.500w
  3. D13.444w.735w.790.552.875w.500w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Piwi-Interacting RNA. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000094322. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000094322
  2. Piwi-Interacting RNA. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piwi-interacting_RNA
  3. Piwi-Interacting RNA. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2367421