An unanticipated role for satellite DNA repeats in genome defence
A recent PLoS Biology study from the Jagannathan lab (IBC) in collaboration with the Brennecke group (IMBA) and Beltrao group (IMSB) reveals a link between satellite DNA organization and heritable transposon repression in Drosophila germ cells.
Non-coding tandem repeats known as satellite DNA are abundant components of eukaryotic genomes. However, whether satellite DNA repeats support cellular function or merely exist as ‘genomic junk’ remains actively debated. In this study, Ankita Chavan and Lena Skrutl from the Jagannathan lab, who co-led this project, demonstrate an important function for satellite DNA in genome defence. Briefly, they used quantitative mass spectrometry to characterize the satellite DNA-associated proteome in Drosophila embryos, ovaries, and testes. Interestingly, some of the identified hits were known to defend the genome against selfish and mutagenic elements known as transposons. Using a multimodal approach, they revealed an unanticipated link between satellite DNA organization and heritable transposon repression in the germline. Since satellite DNA are widespread in eukaryotes, these repeats may possess a conserved function in genome defence across species.
Link to the paper in external page PLoS Biology.