piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA)

Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) are small RNA molecules found in animal cells that help protect the genome, particularly in reproductive cells like sperm and eggs. They work by partnering with Piwi proteins to identify and silence transposable elements—segments of DNA that can move around and cause genetic instability. By doing so, piRNAs maintain the integrity of genetic information passed to future generations. They are crucial for fertility and proper development, acting as a cellular defense mechanism against genetic disruptions caused by mobile DNA elements.