• Golden hamster studies reveal that PIWI-piRNA pathway is essential for female fertility, contrary to mouse models where it is dispensable.
• piRNAs play critical roles in oogenesis and early embryogenesis by silencing transposable elements and regulating gene expression.
• The review highlights species-specific differences in piRNA biology, advocating hamsters as a more representative model for human reproduction.
• Emerging research directions include understanding piRNA dynamics and functional redundancies, with implications for diagnosing and treating female infertility.