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robustness of gametogenesis. As germline development depends on inter-
actions with other cell populations, small RNAs control processes impor-
tant for those interactions, in addition to their role in regulating cellular
processes within the germ cells themselves. Of special importance in the
germline is the crucial role for small RNAs in regulating transposon activity,
which affects the evolution of genetic variability on one hand and the
maintenance of genome stability on the other. Further studies of the
different small RNA classes in the germline lineage are thus likely to shed
light on processes important for the biogenesis of these molecules in differ-
ent cell types, on the regulation of cellular events such as cell proliferation
and differentiation, on the control over signaling events in the developing
organism and on genomic events relevant for evolution.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank Michal Reichman-Fried for critical review of this chapter. We are supported by
funds from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Max Planck Society (MPG), and
the Medical Faculty of the University of M
ยจ
nster.
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