PIWIL3 overexpression 293T lysate (whole cell)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

PIWIL3 also known as P-element-induced wimpy testis-like 3 is a member of the Argonaute protein family. It plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression through a mechanism called RNA silencing. PIWIL3 is involved in the formation of piRNA complexes which are important in silencing transposable elements and protecting genomic integrity. This protein has a molecular mass of approximately 97 kDa. PIWIL3 is expressed mainly in the testes but also in other tissues such as placenta and ovaries.

Biological function summary

PIWIL3 functions to maintain genomic stability by forming complexes with piRNAs that guide the protein to transposon targets in a sequence-specific manner. It works alongside other PIWI proteins and associates with components of the piRNA biosynthetic machinery. PIWIL3 helps to repress the activity of transposable elements preventing their harmful insertion into the genome and ensuring proper germline cell development. It forms complexes with TDRD proteins which assist in piRNA biogenesis.

Pathways

PIWIL3 is involved in the piRNA metabolic pathway that is essential for germline maintenance and genome defense. It connects with other PIWI family members like PIWIL1 and PIWIL2 in this pathway coordinating their actions to ensure efficient silencing of transposable elements. The interactions of PIWIL3 with proteins in the argonaute and RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pathways highlight its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation which is important for proper cell differentiation and development.

PIWIL3 expression levels and functionality have been associated with certain cancers particularly testicular cancer and ovarian cancer. Aberrant PIWIL3 activity due to dysregulation in transposable element silencing may contribute to oncogenesis by allowing genomic instability. The protein connects with disease pathways where it interacts with other RISC-related proteins such as Dicer and Ago2 which are involved in microRNA processing and gene silencing mechanisms.