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Bahmyari S, Khatami SH, Taghvimi S, Rezaei Arablouydareh S, Taheri-Anganeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Farazmand T, Soltani Fard E, Solati A, Movahedpour A, Ghasemi H. MicroRNAs in Male Fertility. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:108-124. [PMID: 38394131 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Around 50% of all occurrences of infertility are attributable to the male factor, which is a significant global public health concern. There are numerous circumstances that might interfere with spermatogenesis and cause the body to produce abnormal sperm. While evaluating sperm, the count, the speed at which they migrate, and their appearance are the three primary characteristics that are analyzed. MicroRNAs, also known as miRNAs, are present in all physiological fluids and tissues. They participate in both physiological and pathological processes. Researches have demonstrated that the expression of microRNA genes differs in infertile men. These genes regulate spermatogenesis at various stages and in several male reproductive cells. Hence, microRNAs have the potential to act as useful indicators in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and other diseases affecting male reproduction. Despite this, additional research is necessary to determine the precise miRNA regulation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Bahmyari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Taghvimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sahar Rezaei Arablouydareh
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tooba Farazmand
- Departmant of Gynecology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Elahe Soltani Fard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Arezoo Solati
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Shi Z, Yu M, Guo T, Sui Y, Tian Z, Ni X, Chen X, Jiang M, Jiang J, Lu Y, Lin M. MicroRNAs in spermatogenesis dysfunction and male infertility: clinical phenotypes, mechanisms and potential diagnostic biomarkers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1293368. [PMID: 38449855 PMCID: PMC10916303 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1293368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 10-15% of couples worldwide who are attempting to conceive, with male infertility accounting for 50% of infertility cases. Male infertility is related to various factors such as hormone imbalance, urogenital diseases, environmental factors, and genetic factors. Owing to its relationship with genetic factors, male infertility cannot be diagnosed through routine examination in most cases, and is clinically called 'idiopathic male infertility.' Recent studies have provided evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed in a cell-or stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. This review focuses on the role of miRNAs in male infertility and spermatogenesis. Data were collected from published studies that investigated the effects of miRNAs on spermatogenesis, sperm quality and quantity, fertilization, embryo development, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Based on the findings of these studies, we summarize the targets of miRNAs and the resulting functional effects that occur due to changes in miRNA expression at various stages of spermatogenesis, including undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells (SCs). In addition, we discuss potential markers for diagnosing male infertility and predicting the varicocele grade, surgical outcomes, ART outcomes, and sperm retrieval rates in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingchao Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Sui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiying Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiang Ni
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinren Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Miao Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingyi Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongping Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meina Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Medical Genetics & Liaoning Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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3
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Klees C, Alexandri C, Demeestere I, Lybaert P. The Role of microRNA in Spermatogenesis: Is There a Place for Fertility Preservation Innovation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:460. [PMID: 38203631 PMCID: PMC10778981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncological treatments have dramatically improved over the last decade, and as a result, survival rates for cancer patients have also improved. Quality of life, including concerns about fertility, has become a major focus for both oncologists and patients. While oncologic treatments are often highly effective at suppressing neoplastic growth, they are frequently associated with severe gonadotoxicity, leading to infertility. For male patients, the therapeutic option to preserve fertility is semen cryopreservation. In prepubertal patients, immature testicular tissue can be sampled and stored to allow post-cure transplantation of the tissue, immature germ cells, or in vitro spermatogenesis. However, experimental techniques have not yet been proven effective for restoring sperm production for these patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising molecular markers and therapeutic tools in various diseases. These small regulatory RNAs possess the unique characteristic of having multiple gene targets. MiRNA-based therapeutics can, therefore, be used to modulate the expression of different genes involved in signaling pathways dysregulated by changes in the physiological environment (disease, temperature, ex vivo culture, pharmacological agents). This review discusses the possible role of miRNA as an innovative treatment option in male fertility preservation-restoration strategies and describes the diverse applications where these new therapeutic tools could serve as fertility protection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Klees
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
| | - Chrysanthi Alexandri
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
- Fertility Clinic, HUB-Erasme Hospital, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (C.K.); (C.A.); (I.D.)
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4
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Dong Z, Ning Q, Liu Y, Wang S, Wang F, Luo X, Chen N, Lei C. Comparative transcriptomics analysis of testicular miRNA from indicine and taurine cattle. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:1436-1446. [PMID: 35130471 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2029466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are specifically expressed in testis, play an essential role in regulating testicular spermatogenesis. Hainan and Mongolian cattle are two representative Chinese native cattle breeds representing Bos indicus (indicine cattle) and Bos taurus (taurine cattle), respectively, which are distributed in hot Hainan and cold Inner Mongolia province. To study the functional differences of miRNA in spermatogenesis between indicine and taurine cattle, six mature testes samples from indicine cattle (n = 3) and taurine cattle (n = 3) were collected, respectively. We detected miRNA expression using small RNA sequencing technology following bioinformatic analysis. A total of 578 known miRNAs and 132 novel miRNAs were detected in the six libraries. Among the 710 miRNAs, 564 miRNAs were expressed in both indicine and taurine cattle, 73 miRNAs were found solely in indicine cattle and 73 miRNAs were found solely in taurine cattle. After further analysis, among the miRNAs were identified in both indicine and taurine cattle, 184 miRNAs were differentially expressed (|log2 fold change| ≥ 1 and corrected p-value <0.05). Among the miRNAs that were only expressed in indicine cattle, 10 miRNAs were differentially expressed, whereas, among the miRNAs that were only expressed in taurine cattle, six miRNAs were differentially expressed. The enrichment analysis result showed that predicted target genes of a total of 200 differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched on some testicular spermatogenesis-related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, especially mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. These findings identify miRNAs as key factors to regulate spermatogenesis in both indicine and taurine cattle, which may also be helpful for improving cattle reproductive performance in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qingqing Ning
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yangkai Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shikang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fuwen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ningbo Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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5
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Kim EP, Shin JH, Kim WH, Kim GA. Integrated miRNA Changes in Canine Testis and Epididymis According to Age and Presence of Cryptorchidism. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081390. [PMID: 37106953 PMCID: PMC10135127 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to investigate age-, cryptorchidism-, and testicular tumor-related changes in miRNAs in the testis and epididymis of dogs. Twelve healthy male dogs were divided into two groups: young (<1 year, n = 8) and old (>3 years, n = 4). Five dogs with unilateral cryptorchidism, one with a Sertoli cell tumor, and one with seminoma were referred to a veterinary hospital. After surgery, the testes and epididymis tails were collected. A high-throughput miRNA array analysis was performed to identify miRNAs affected by age, cryptorchidism, and testicular tumors. The expression of only cfa-miR-503 was downregulated in the epididymis of younger dogs, whereas the expression of 64 miRNAs was upregulated. Among them, the top five miRNAs were cfa-miR-26a, cfa-miR-200c, cfa-let-7c, cfa-let-7b, and cfa-let-7a. The expression of cfa-miR-148a and cfa-miR-497 was considerably lower in cryptorchid testis than in healthy dog testis. In the epididymis, the cfa-miR-1841 level was significantly decreased. We observed a significant difference in the expression of 26 cfa-miRNAs between testicular tumors and normal tissues. This study demonstrated that aging and cryptorchidism have a causal relationship with miRNA expression. The identified miRNAs may be candidate genes for male reproductive traits and could be applied in molecular breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Pyo Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Shin
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Hee Kim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 34824, Republic of Korea
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6
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Amelkina O, da Silva AM, Silva AR, Comizzoli P. Feline microRNAome in ovary and testis: Exploration of in-silico miRNA-mRNA networks involved in gonadal function and cellular stress response. Front Genet 2022; 13:1009220. [PMID: 36226169 PMCID: PMC9548565 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1009220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to perform the first in-depth analysis of miRNAs in ovarian and testicular tissues of the domestic cat, a critical biomedical model. Specifically, potential miRNA involvement was explored in gonadal function, testis development, and cellular stress response to preservation protocols. We performed miRNA-sequencing on 20 ovarian and 20 testicular samples from 15 cats, including different ages and tissue treatments. Using fresh tissues (n = 15), we confirmed gonadal expression of 183 miRNA precursors and discovered additional 52 novel feline candidate precursors. We integrated the mRNA data from our previous study on the same age and treatment groups to create in-silico miRNA-mRNA networks and their functional enrichment, which allows comprehensive exploration into possible miRNA functions in cat gonads. Clusters of miRNAs united by shared differentially expressed mRNA targets are potentially involved in testicular development and spermatogenesis. MicroRNAs could play a significant role in ovarian tissue response to stress from microwave-assisted dehydration, with smaller roles in cellular response to vitrification in both ovary and testis. This new list of miRNAs with potential function in cat gonads is a major step towards understanding the gonadal biology, as well as optimizing fertility preservation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Andreia M. da Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid—UFERSA, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Alexandre R. Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Germplasm Conservation, Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid—UFERSA, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, United States
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Jia B, Zhang L, Ma F, Wang X, Li J, Diao N, Leng X, Shi K, Zeng F, Zong Y, Liu F, Gong Q, Cai R, Yang F, Du R, Chang Z. Comparison of miRNA and mRNA Expression in Sika Deer Testes With Age. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:854503. [PMID: 35464385 PMCID: PMC9019638 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.854503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the complex physiological process of testis development and spermatogenesis in Sika deer, this study evaluated the changes of miRNA and mRNA profiles in the four developmental stages of testis in the juvenile (1-year-old), adolescence (3-year-old), adult (5-year-old), and aged (10-year-old) stages. The results showed that a total of 198 mature, 66 novel miRNAs, and 23,558 differentially expressed (DE) unigenes were obtained; 14,918 (8,413 up and 6,505 down), 4,988 (2,453 up and 2,535 down), and 5,681 (2,929 up and 2,752 down) DE unigenes, as well as 88 (43 up and 45 down), 102 (44 up and 58 down), and 54 (18 up and 36 down) DE miRNAs were identified in 3- vs. 1-, 5- vs. 3-, and 10- vs. 5-year-old testes, respectively. By integrating miRNA and mRNA expression profiles, we predicted 10,790 mRNA-mRNA and 69,883 miRNA-mRNA interaction sites. The target genes were enriched by GO and KEGG pathways to obtain DE mRNA (IGF1R, ALKBH5, Piwil, HIF1A, BRDT, etc.) and DE miRNA (miR-140, miR-145, miR-7, miR-26a, etc.), which play an important role in testis development and spermatogenesis. The data show that DE miRNAs could regulate testis developmental and spermatogenesis through signaling pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, etc. miR-140 was confirmed to directly target mutant IGF1R-3'UTR by the Luciferase reporter assays. This study provides a useful resource for future studies on the role of miRNA regulation in testis development and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyin Jia
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fuquan Ma
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Li
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Naichao Diao
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Leng
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Kun Shi
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fanli Zeng
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zong
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Liu
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Qinglong Gong
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruopeng Cai
- College of Animal Medicine/College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fuhe Yang
- Institute of Wild Economic Animals and Plants and State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economical Animals, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Du
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhiguang Chang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Lv W, Yu M, Su Y. miR-22-5p regulates the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells by targeting EZH2. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:556-565. [PMID: 35415251 PMCID: PMC8932390 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs play an important role in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the basic function of miR-22-5p in cryptorchidism. The results of RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry showed that miR-22-5p was increased while EZH2 decreased in the testicular tissues of patients with cryptorchidism. Overexpression of miR-22-5p inhibited the proliferation of SSCs, increased cell apoptosis rate, and reduced expression of SSC marker proteins (GDNF and DAZL); however, knockout of miR-22-5p has the opposite effect. The Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that EZH2 is a direct target of miR-22-5p. Moreover, EZH2 overexpression could reverse the effect of miR-22-5p mimic on SSCs’ proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of SSC marker proteins. Our results demonstrated that miR-22-5p regulates SSCs’ self-renewal by targeting EZH2, which indicated that miR-22-5p may serve as a biological marker for the treatment of infertility caused by cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Lv
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230001 , Anhui , China
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Pediatrician, Binhu District of Hefei First People’s Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University) , Hefei 230000 , Anhui , China
| | - Yilin Su
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei 230001 , Anhui , China
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9
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Wu D, Khan FA, Huo L, Sun F, Huang C. Alternative splicing and MicroRNA: epigenetic mystique in male reproduction. RNA Biol 2022; 19:162-175. [PMID: 35067179 PMCID: PMC8786336 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2024033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is rarely life threatening, however, it poses a serious global health issue posing far-reaching socio-economic impacts affecting 12–15% of couples worldwide where male factor accounts for 70%. Functional spermatogenesis which is the result of several concerted coordinated events to produce sperms is at the core of male fertility, Alternative splicing and microRNA (miRNA) mediated RNA silencing (RNAi) constitute two conserved post-transcriptional gene (re)programming machinery across species. The former by diversifying transcriptome signature and the latter by repressing target mRNA activity orchestrate a spectrum of testicular events, and their dysfunctions has several implications in male infertility. This review recapitulates the knowledge of these mechanistic events in regulation of spermatogenesis and testicular homoeostasis. In addition, miRNA payload in sperm, vulnerable to paternal inputs, including unhealthy diet, infection and trauma, creates epigenetic memory to initiate intergenerational phenotype. Naive zygote injection of sperm miRNAs from stressed father recapitulates phenotypes of offspring of stressed father. The epigenetic inheritance of paternal pathologies through miRNA could be a tantalizing avenue to better appreciate ‘Paternal Origins of Health and Disease’ and the power of tiny sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Lijun Huo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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10
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Zhou G, Zhang M, Zhang J, Feng Y, Xie Z, Liu S, Zhu D, Luo Y. The gene regulatory role of non-coding RNAs in non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:959487. [PMID: 36060931 PMCID: PMC9436424 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.959487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are classified as small non-coding RNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, which are involved in a variety of biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and pathological conditions of various diseases. Many studies have shown that non-coding RNAs are related to spermatogenesis, maturation, apoptosis, function, etc. In addition, the expression of non-coding RNAs in testicular tissue and semen of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia was different. However, the role of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia has not been fully elucidated, and the role of non-coding RNAs in non-obstructive azoospermia is rarely reviewed. Here we summarize the research progress of non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanqing Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mimi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingzhi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaofeng Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Detu Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yumei Luo, ; Detu Zhu,
| | - Yumei Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yumei Luo, ; Detu Zhu,
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11
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Xing K, Chen Y, Wang L, Lv X, Li Z, Qi X, Wang X, Xiao L, Ni H, Guo Y, Sheng X. Epididymal mRNA and miRNA transcriptome analyses reveal important genes and miRNAs related to sperm motility in roosters. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101558. [PMID: 34844112 PMCID: PMC8633681 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is a crucial trait in chicken production, and the epididymis is an essential organ in the reproductive system. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm motility in the epididymis are unclear. In this study, 8 cDNA libraries and eight miRNA libraries were constructed from roosters (4 chickens per group) with diverse sperm motility. After a comparative analysis of epididymal transcriptomes, we detected 84 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the edgeR package. Integrated interpretation of DEGs indicated that MMP9, SLN, WT1, PLIN1, and LRRIQ1 are the most promising candidate genes affecting sperm motility in the epididymis of roosters. MiR-146a, mir-135b, and mir-205 could play important regulatory roles in sperm maturation, capacitation, and motility. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the mRNA and miRNAs transcriptomes in silico identified a promising gene-miRNA pair miR-135b-HPS5, which may be a vital regulator of sperm motility in the epididymis. Our findings provide novel integrated information of miRNAs and genes that shed light on the regulatory mechanisms of fertility in roosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xing
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100107, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100107, China
| | - Xueze Lv
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100107, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Beijing Institute of Feed Control, Beijing 100107, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiangguo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xihui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
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12
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Walker WH. Regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis by miRNAs. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 121:24-31. [PMID: 34006455 PMCID: PMC8591147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility requires the continual production of sperm by the process of spermatogenesis. This process requires the correct timing of regulatory signals to germ cells during each phase of their development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in germ cells and supporting Sertoli cells respond to regulatory signals and cause down- or upregulation of mRNAs and proteins required to produce proteins that act in various pathways to support spermatogenesis. The targets and functional consequences of altered miRNA expression in undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Sertoli cells are discussed. Mechanisms are reviewed by which miRNAs contribute to decisions that promote spermatogonia stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation, entry into and progression through meiosis, differentiation of spermatids, as well as the regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation. Also discussed are miRNA actions providing the very first signals for the differentiation of spermatogonia stem cells in a non-human primate model of puberty initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H. Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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13
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He C, Wang K, Gao Y, Wang C, Li L, Liao Y, Hu K, Liang M. Roles of Noncoding RNA in Reproduction. Front Genet 2021; 12:777510. [PMID: 34956326 PMCID: PMC8695933 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.777510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization predicts that infertility will be the third major health threat after cancer and cardiovascular disease, and will become a hot topic in medical research. Studies have shown that epigenetic changes are an important component of gametogenesis and related reproductive diseases. Epigenetic regulation of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) is appropriate and is a research hotspot in the biomedical field; these include long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA). As vital members of the intracellular gene regulatory network, they affect various life activities of cells. LncRNA functions as a molecular bait, molecular signal and molecular scaffold in the body through molecular guidance. miRNAs are critical regulators of gene expression; they mainly control the stability or translation of their target mRNA after transcription. piRNA functions mainly through silencing genomic transposable elements and the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs in animal germ cells. Current studies have shown that these ncRNAs also play significant roles in the reproductive system and are involved in the regulation of essential cellular events in spermatogenesis and follicular development. The abnormal expression of ncRNA is closely linked to testicular germ cell tumors, poly cystic ovary syndrome and other diseases. This paper briefly presents the research on the reproductive process and reproductive diseases involving ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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14
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Li W, Zhang L, Yin X, Yu T. Expression of miR-135a-5p and its target gene JAK2 in spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14214. [PMID: 34378214 DOI: 10.1111/and.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the molecular mechanism by which JAK2 mRNA and microRNA-135a-5p (miR-135a-5p) affect asthenozoospermia. The expression levels of JAK2 mRNA in the spermatozoa of 30 asthenozoospermia patients and 30 normal controls were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). MiR-135a-5p that targeted JAK2 mRNA was predicted by bioinformatics. A dual luciferase reporter vector containing miR-135a-5p 3'UTR was constructed. The binding of miR-135a-5p to JAK2 mRNA was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The protein expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in spermatozoa were examined by Western bolt. The relative expression levels of JAK2 mRNA and protein in the asthenozoospermia group were significantly lower than those of the normal group. MiR-135a-5p overexpression inhibited JAK2 mRNA and protein expression by targeting JAK2 mRNA 3'UTR. Correlation analysis showed that miR-135a-5p level was significantly negatively correlated with progressive sperm motility, while JAK2 mRNA level was significantly positively correlated with progressive sperm activity. Low expression of JAK2 mRNA and high expression of miR-135a-5p were related to asthenozoospermia and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Department of reproductive Medicine, Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin professional college, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiurong Yin
- Department of reproductive Medicine, Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Tao Yu
- College of biological science and technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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15
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Rastgar Rezaei Y, Zarezadeh R, Nikanfar S, Oghbaei H, Nazdikbin N, Bahrami-Asl Z, Zarghami N, Ahmadi Y, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Dittrich R. microRNAs in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia: the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potentials. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:337-353. [PMID: 34355990 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1951890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs are involved in different biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, 38% of the X chromosome-linked miRNAs are testis-specific and have crucial roles in regulating the renewal and cell cycle of spermatogonial stem cells. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal expression of spermatogenesis-related miRNAs could lead to nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Moreover, differential miRNAs expression in seminal plasma of NOA patients has been reported compared to normozoospermic men. However, the role of miRNAs in NOA pathogenesis and the underlying mechanisms have not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, the aim of this review is to mechanistically describe the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NOA and discuss the possibility of using the miRNAs as therapeutic targets.Abbreviations: AMO: anti-miRNA antisense oligonucleotide; AZF: azoospermia factor region; CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase; DAZ: deleted in azoospermia; ESCs: embryonic stem cells; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; JAK/STAT: Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription; miRNA: micro-RNA; MLH1: Human mutL homolog l; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; NOA: nonobstructive azoospermia; OA: obstructive azoospermia; PGCs: primordial germ cells; PI3K/AKT: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B; Rb: retinoblastoma tumor suppressor; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; SCOS: Sertoli cell-only syndrome; SIRT: sirtuin; SNPs: single nucleotide polymorphisms; SSCs: spermatogonial stem cells; TESE: testicular sperm extraction; TGF-β: transforming growth factor-beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Rastgar Rezaei
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Zarezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Nikanfar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hajar Oghbaei
- Department of Physiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Bahrami-Asl
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Ahmadi
- Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Jia H, Ma T, Jia S, Ouyang Y. AKT3 and related molecules as potential biomarkers responsible for cryptorchidism and cryptorchidism-induced azoospermia. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:1805-1817. [PMID: 34430428 PMCID: PMC8349953 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation strongly related to future oligospermia and male infertility. Normally functioning early-stage spermatogonia are vital to ensure fertility. The present study aimed to identify new differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with signaling pathways related to spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance during early spermatogenesis. METHODS GEO2R was used to screen for genes differentially regulated in cryptorchidism using mRNA expression profiling data in the GEO database. DAVID was used to perform GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of DEGs to analyze their functions. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed using the STRING database. The hub genes in the PPI networks were identified using Maximal Clique Centrality (MCC) in Cytohubba, and the top 50 genes were displayed as hub genes using Cytoscape software. Then, the miRNAs targeting hub genes were predicted using miRWalk and an mRNA-miRNA interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape. We took the intersection of these target miRNAs and the differentially expressed miRNAs identified from a non-coding RNA sequencing dataset, GSE149084. Furthermore, the intersected miRNAs and their predicted target genes were validated in the testicular tissue of rats with cryptorchidism. RESULTS A total of 474 DEGs were identified, most of which were annotated to the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Hub genes related to the pathway were predicted to be targeted by 27 miRNAs. Further miRNA mining revealed that miRNA-7-5p and miRNA-519d-3p were both dysregulated in cryptorchidism patients. Further, we found that these two miRNAs were predicted with high confidence to share a common target gene, AKT3. In the testicular tissue of rats with cryptorchidism, miRNA-519d-3p was upregulated while miRNA-7-5p and AKT3 were downregulated. We also found that AKT3 plays an essential role in regulating SSC state through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and that AKT3 is one of the key genes related to SSC self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. CONCLUSIONS The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway functions in SSC maintenance, and alterations in this pathway may explain defects in spermatogenesis. AKT3-related miRNAs, including hsa-miR-7-5p and hsa-miR-519d-3p, might be responsible for cryptorchidism and cryptorchidism-induced azoospermia and serve as potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuai Jia
- Department of Urology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China.,Department of Urology, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tiantian Ma
- Department of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shujing Jia
- Central Laboratory, the First Hospital of Handan, Handan, China
| | - Yuru Ouyang
- Department of Urology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
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17
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Vashisht A, Gahlay GK. Using miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for male infertility: opportunities and challenges. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:199-214. [PMID: 32084276 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-coding genome has been extensively studied for its role in human development and diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which can regulate the expression of hundreds of genes at the post-transcriptional level. Therefore, any defects in miRNA biogenesis or processing can affect the genes and have been linked to several diseases. Male infertility is a clinical disorder with a significant number of cases being idiopathic. Problems in spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation, testicular development, sperm maturation or migration contribute to male infertility, and many of these idiopathic cases are related to issues with the miRNAs which tightly regulate these processes. This review summarizes the recent research on various such miRNAs and puts together the candidate miRNAs that may be used as biomarkers for diagnosis. The development of strategies for male infertility treatment using anti-miRs or miRNA mimics is also discussed. Although promising, the development of miRNA diagnostics and therapeutics is challenging, and ways to overcome some of these challenges are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vashisht
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005 India
| | - G K Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005 India
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18
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Abstract
Objective To identify dysregulated miRNAs in testicular tissues from animal models and
patients with cryptorchidism. Methods Databases were systematically searched for studies published before 10 May
2020 that had investigated miRNAs in cryptorchidism. Predicted targets of
the identified miRNA biomarkers were obtained by searching TargetScan and
Starbase. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes
(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently conducted. Results Five publications met the eligibility criteria for the review. 21
differentially expressed miRNAs were the most abundantly reported in 185
animal and human tissue samples. Three miRNAs (miR-210, miR-449a and
miR-34c) were dysregulated in both animal and human testicular tissues. The
top five relevant lncRNAs associated with the miRNAs were NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1,
XIST, AC005154.1, and TUG1. Conclusions Further research is warranted to explore the potential of these dysregulated
miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for male infertility associated
with cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuai Jia
- Department of Urology, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Hao
- Department of Urology, Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
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19
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Zhang HT, Zhang Z, Hong K, Tang WH, Liu DF, Mao JM, Yang YZ, Lin HC, Jiang H. Altered microRNA profiles of testicular biopsies from patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:100-105. [PMID: 31134916 PMCID: PMC6958976 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_35_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles during the spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the altered miRNA profiles of testicular tissues in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Using microarray technology, the miRNA expression profiles of testicular biopsies from patients with NOA and of normal testicular tissues were determined. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to predict the enriched biological processes and functions of identified miRNAs. The microarray data were validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the results of which were then validated with a larger sample size. Correlations between the miRNA expression levels and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic ability of miRNAs for azoospermia. Hierarchical clustering showed that 129 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between the NOA and control groups. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in spermatogenesis, cell cycle, and mitotic prometaphase. In the subsequent qRT-PCR assays, the selected miRNA expression levels were consistent with the microarray results, and similar validated results were obtained with a larger sample size. Some clinical characteristics were significantly associated with the expression of certain miRNAs. In particular, we identified a combination of two miRNAs (miR-10b-3p and miR-34b-5p) that could serve as a predictive biomarker of azoospermia. This study provides altered miRNA profiles of testicular biopsies from NOA patients and examines the roles of miRNAs in spermatogenesis. These profiles may be useful for predicting and diagnosing the presence of testicular sperm in individuals with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Kai Hong
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wen-Hao Tang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - De-Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jia-Ming Mao
- Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yu-Zhuo Yang
- Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hao-Cheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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20
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Du X, Wu S, Wei Y, Yu X, Ma F, Zhai Y, Yang D, Zhang M, Liu W, Zhu H, Wu J, Liao M, Li N, Bai C, Li G, Hua J. PAX7 promotes CD49f-positive dairy goat spermatogonial stem cells' self-renewal. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1481-1493. [PMID: 32692417 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that originates from and depends on the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The number of SSCs is rare, which makes the separation and enrichment of SSCs difficult and inefficient. The transcription factor PAX7 maintains fertility in normal spermatogenesis in mice. However, for large animals, much less is known about the SSCs' self-renewal regulation, especially in dairy goats. We isolated and enriched the CD49f-positive and negative dairy goat testicular cells by magnetic-activated cell sorting strategies. The RNA- sequencing and experimental data revealed that cells with a high CD49f and PAX7 expression are undifferentiated spermatogonia in goat testis. Our findings indicated that ZBTB16 (PLZF), PAX7, LIN28A, BMPR1B, FGFR1, and FOXO1 were expressed higher in CD49f-positive cells as compared to negative cells and goat fibroblasts cells. The expression and distribution of PAX7 in dairy goat also have been detected, which gradually decreased in testis tissue along with the increasing age. When the PAX7 gene was overexpressed in dairy goat immortal mGSCs-I-SB germ cell lines, the expression of PLZF, GFRα1, ID4, and OCT4 was upregulated. Together, our data demonstrated that there is a subset of spermatogonial stem cells with a high expression of PAX7 among the CD49f+ spermatogonia, and PAX7 can maintain the self-renewal of CD49f-positive SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Siyu Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yudong Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiuwei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fanglin Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Donghui Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingzhi Liao
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- Key Laboratory for Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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21
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Kato T, Mizuno K, Nishio H, Moritoki Y, Kamisawa H, Kurokawa S, Nakane A, Maruyama T, Ando R, Hayashi Y, Yasui T. Disorganization of claudin-11 and dysfunction of the blood-testis barrier during puberty in a cryptorchid rat model. Andrology 2020; 8:1398-1408. [PMID: 32196966 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is known to impair spermatogenesis. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) becomes defined in seminiferous tubules around puberty and provides a suitable environment for germ cells. Little is known about the BTB in undescended testes (UDT). OBJECTIVES To determine the role of BTB during puberty in UDT using a non-surgical cryptorchid rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Unilateral cryptorchid male rats were intraperitoneally injected with non-steroidal antiandrogen during intrauterine development; the testes were harvested at 4, 5, and 6 weeks after birth. Testicular histology, expression levels of the BTB proteins (claudin-11, occludin, zonula occludens-1), and apoptotic cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and TUNEL assay. The functionality of the BTB was investigated by electron microscopy using the lanthanum tracer method. RESULTS The testicular histology of undescended testes 6 weeks after birth showed maturation arrest at the spermatocyte level. The BTB protein distributions were altered in the UDT, with a noticeable difference in claudin-11(CLDN11) localization from 4 to 5 weeks after birth between control and UDT samples. BTB protein levels were similar. More apoptotic germ cells were detected in the adluminal compartment of tubules in the UDT than in the control testes. Electron microscopy showed that the lanthanum tracer was limited to the BTB of control testes, whereas it penetrated the BTB of UDT. DISCUSSION Here, loss of normal BTB function and impaired spermatogenesis were observed in UDT during puberty. CLDN11 is a pivotal tight junction protein belonging to the BTB. Tight junctions are considered as essential for normal spermatogenesis, and abnormal CLDN11 organization may cause UDT-associated male infertility. CONCLUSION CLDN11 disorganization within the BTB may cause spermatogenic impairment, possibly by limiting the BTB function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Kato
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidenori Nishio
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Moritoki
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Kamisawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kurokawa
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nakane
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Maruyama
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ando
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yasui
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Comparative Transcriptomics Analysis of Testicular miRNA from Cryptorchid and Normal Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020338. [PMID: 32098036 PMCID: PMC7070967 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The testis is an important organ for mammals, and testicular microRNA expression is associated with male fertility to a certain extent. Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotal sac. It is a common congenital malformation in horses. The major clinical consequence of this abnormality is impaired fertility. The expression of testicular microRNAs is influenced by many factors, including high temperature and disease, in cryptorchid horses. Here, we investigated the microRNA expression levels of normal and retained testes. Their expression patterns showed significant differences. In addition, we obtained comprehensive expression data for equine testicular microRNA, which is fundamental information for further analysis. Abstract In the biological process of testicular spermatogenesis, the expression and interaction of many genes are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). However, comparisons of miRNA expression between descended testes (DTs) and undescended testes (UDTs) are rarely done in horses. In this study, we selected two UDTs (CKY2b and GU4b) from Chakouyi (CKY) and Guanzhong (GU) horses and eight DTs (GU1–3, CKY1, CKY3, CKY2a, GU4a, and GU5). Three groups were compared to evaluate expression patterns of testicular miRNA in stallion testes. Group 1 compared normal CKY horses and GU horses (CKY1 and CKY3 vs. GU1–3). Group 2 (CKY2a and GU4a (DTs) vs. CKY2b and GU4b (UDTs)) and group 3 (GU1–3, CKY1, CKY3 (DTs) vs. CKY2b and GU4b (UDTs)) compared the expression levels in unilateral retained testes to normal testes. The results show that 42 miRNAs (7 upregulated and 35 downregulated) had significantly different expression levels in both comparisons. The expression levels of eca-miR-545, eca-miR-9084, eca-miR-449a, eca-miR-9024, eca-miR-9121, eca-miR-8908e, eca-miR-136, eca-miR-329b, eca-miR-370, and eca-miR-181b were further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR assay. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs in three comparisons were predicted, and the functions were annotated. The putative target genes of the 42 co-differentially expressed miRNAs were annotated to 15 functional terms, including metal ion binding, GTPase activator activity, zinc ion binding, intracellular, cytoplasm, and cancer pathways, and osteoclast differentiation. Our data indicate that the differentially expressed miRNAs in undescended testis suggests a potential role in male fertility and a relationship with cryptorchidism in horses. The discovery of miRNAs in stallion testes might contribute to a new direction in the search for biomarkers of stallion fertility.
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Xu C, Shah MA, Mipam T, Wu S, Yi C, Luo H, Yuan M, Chai Z, Zhao W, Cai X. Bovid microRNAs involved in the process of spermatogonia differentiation into spermatocytes. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:239-250. [PMID: 31929752 PMCID: PMC6949159 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.38232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The male infertility of cattleyak resulted from spermatogenic arrest has greatly restricted the effective utilization of the heterosis from crossbreeding of cattle and yak. Based on our previous studies, the significant divergences of the transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing between yak and cattleyak prompt us to investigate the critical roles of microRNAs in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during spermatogenesis. TUNEL-POD analysis presented sharply decreased spermatogenic cell types and the increased apoptotic spermatogonia in cattleyak. The STA-PUT velocity sedimentation was employed to obtain spermatogonia and spermatocytes from cattle, yak and cattleyak and these spermatogenic cells were verified by the morphological and phenotypic identification. MicroRNA microarray showed that 27 differentially expressed miRNAs were simultaneously identified both in cattleyak vs cattle and in cattleyak vs yak comparisons. Further analysis revealed that the down-regulation of bta-let-7 families, bta-miR-125 and bta-miR-23a might impair the RA-induced differentiation of spermatogonia. Target gene analysis for differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that miRNAs targeted major players involved in vesicle-mediated transport, regulation of protein kinase activity and Pathways in cancer. In addition, spermatogonia transfection analysis revealed that the down-regulation of bta-miR-449a in the cattleyak might block the transition of male germ cells from the mitotic cycle to the meiotic program. The present study provided valuable information for future elucidating the regulatory roles of miRNAs involved in spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Mujahid Ali Shah
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
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Sun Y, Fu L, Xue F, Li Y, Xu H, Chen J. Digital gene expression profiling and validation study highlight Cyclin F as an important regulator for sperm motility of chickens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:5118-5126. [PMID: 31329967 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In poultry industry, around 5 to 12% roosters were eliminated from the breeding program because of low sperm motility. Relatively few studies have been directed toward understanding and explaining the genetics mechanisms involved in sperm motility regulation in chickens. In the present study, digital gene expression (DGE) profiling and bioinformation analysis were used to explore the globally differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the testis of low sperm motility and high sperm motility roosters. Further validation study of key candidate genes was also performed. The DGE identified 652 DEGs, including 473 up-regulated and 179 down-regulated genes in the low sperm motility testis. Those DEGs were enriched on 21 terms of biological process category, 10 terms of cellular component category, including motile cilium, and 13 terms of molecular function category including microtubule motor activity and ATP binding. The kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were involved in the FoxO signaling pathway and insulin resistance pathway. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) studies of 8 DEGs were used to validate the DGE results. A key candidate gene Cyclin F (CCNF) was extremely low expressed in the low sperm motility testis (log2 ratio (low sperm motility/high sperm motility) = -5.23). The CCNF gene silencing in the chicken DF-1 cell line induced the reduced cell activity and proliferation. In summary, the present study provides insight into the potential genetic regulation of sperm motility and highlighted the underlying pathways (Insulin resistance and FoxO signaling pathways) and important candidate genes such as CCNF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fuguang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunlei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jilan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Wang J, Tian GG, Zheng Z, Li B, Xing Q, Wu J. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Mouse Gonadal Development Involving Sexual Differentiation, Meiosis and Gametogenesis. Biol Proced Online 2019; 21:20. [PMID: 31636514 PMCID: PMC6794783 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-019-0108-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammalian gonadal development is crucial for fertility. Sexual differentiation, meiosis and gametogenesis are critical events in the process of gonadal development. Abnormalities in any of these events may cause infertility. However, owing to the complexity of these developmental events, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood and require further research. Results In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to examine transcriptome profiles of murine female and male gonads at crucial stages of these developmental events. By bioinformatics analysis, we identified a group of candidate genes that may participate in sexual differentiation, including Erbb3, Erbb4, and Prkg2. One hundred and two and 134 candidate genes that may be important for female and male gonadal development, respectively, were screened by analyzing the global gene expression patterns of developing female and male gonads. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed on developing female gonads, and we identified a gene co-expression module related to meiosis. By alternative splicing analysis, we found that cassette-type exon and alternative start sites were the main forms of alternative splicing in developing gonads. A considerable portion of differentially expressed and alternatively spliced genes were involved in meiosis. Conclusion Taken together, our findings have enriched the gonadal transcriptome database and provided novel candidate genes and avenues to research the molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation, meiosis, and gametogenesis. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12575-019-0108-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Geng G Tian
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhuxia Zheng
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Bo Li
- 2Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China
| | - Qinghe Xing
- 4Children's Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dong-Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ji Wu
- 1Renji Hospital, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China.,3State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Wang X, Zhao D, Zhu Y, Dong Y, Liu Y. Long non-coding RNA GAS5 promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by regulating the miR-135a-5p/FOXO1 pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 496:110534. [PMID: 31398367 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that promoting the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into osteoblasts could protect against osteoporosis. Increasing evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in BMSC osteogenic differentiation. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in osteogenic differentiation. The mechanism was mainly focused on miR-135a-5p/FOXO1 pathway by gain- and loss-of function tests. GAS5 and FOXO1 expression was decreased, whereas miR-135a-5p expression was increased, in the BMSCs from osteoporotic mice. Levels of GAS5 and FOXO1 were increased and miR-135a-5p expression was decreased during osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Overexpression of GAS5 promoted, whereas knockdown of GAS5 suppressed, BMSC osteogenic differentiation. As for the mechanism, GAS5 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-135a-5p to regulate FOXO1 expression. In conclusion, GAS5 promoted osteogenesis of BMSCs by regulating the miR-135a-5p/FOXO1 axis. This finding suggests that targeting GAS5 may be a useful therapy for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Yuzhu Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changchun Maternity Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Dong
- The Third Department of Radiotherapy, Jilin Provincial Tumor Hospital, Changchun, 130012, Jilin, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China.
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Mobasheri MB, Babatunde KA. Testicular miRNAs in relation to spermatogenesis, spermatogonial stem cells and cancer/testis genes. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Khawar MB, Mehmood R, Roohi N. MicroRNAs: Recent insights towards their role in male infertility and reproductive cancers. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:31-42. [PMID: 30599090 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2018.3477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a tightly controlled, multi-step process in which mature spermatozoa are produced. Disruption of regulatory mechanisms in spermatogenesis can lead to male infertility, various diseases of male reproductive system, or even cancer. The spermatogenic impairment in infertile men can be associated with different etiologies, and the exact molecular mechanisms are yet to be determined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of non-protein coding RNAs, about 22 nucleotides long, with an essential role in post-transcriptional regulation. miRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of various biological processes, including spermatogenesis. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature on the role of miRNAs in spermatogenesis, male infertility and reproductive cancers, and to evaluate their potential in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of disease. Experimental evidence shows that aberrant expression of miRNAs affects spermatogenesis at multiple stages and in different cell types, most often resulting in infertility. In more severe cases, dysregulation of miRNAs leads to cancer. miRNAs have enormous potential to be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as therapeutic targets in male infertility and reproductive system diseases. However, to exploit this potential fully, we need a better understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of spermatogenesis, including the characterization of yet unidentified miRNAs and related regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Molecular Physiology/Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Fu H, Zhou F, Yuan Q, Zhang W, Qiu Q, Yu X, He Z. miRNA-31-5p Mediates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells via Targeting JAZF1 and Cyclin A2. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:90-100. [PMID: 30583099 PMCID: PMC6305686 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence highlight the important application of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in translational medicine. The fate decisions of SSCs are mainly mediated by genetic and epigenetic factors. We have recently demonstrated that PAK1 regulates the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and early apoptosis of human SSCs through the PDK1/KDR/ZNF367 and ERK1/2 and AKT pathway. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism of PAK1 in human SSCs remains unknown. In this study, we found that the level of miRNA-31-5p was elevated by PAK1 knockdown. CCK-8, PCNA, and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) assays revealed that miRNA-31-5p mimics inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis of human SSCs. Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry showed that miRNA-31-5p increased the early and late apoptosis of human SSCs. Furthermore, JAZF1 was predicted and verified as a target of miRNA-31-5p, and the three-dimensional (3D) structure model of JAZF1 protein was illustrated. JAZF1 silencing led to a reduction of cell proliferation and DNA synthesis as well as an enhancement of the early and late apoptosis of human SSCs. Finally, miRNA-31-5p mimics decreased the level of cyclin A2 rather than cyclin D1 or cyclin E1, and JAZF1 knockdown led to the reduction of cyclin A2 in human SSCs. Collectively, miRNA-31-5p regulates the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis of human SSCs by the PAK1-JAZF1-cyclin A2 pathway. This study thus offers a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the fate determinations of human SSCs and might provide novel targets for molecular therapy of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyong Fu
- Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai 200127, China; The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qianqian Qiu
- Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xing Yu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Renji- Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai 200127, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200127, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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30
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Reza AMMT, Choi YJ, Han SG, Song H, Park C, Hong K, Kim JH. Roles of microRNAs in mammalian reproduction: from the commitment of germ cells to peri-implantation embryos. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:415-438. [PMID: 30151880 PMCID: PMC7379200 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are active regulators of numerous biological and physiological processes including most of the events of mammalian reproduction. Understanding the biological functions of miRNAs in the context of mammalian reproduction will allow a better and comparative understanding of fertility and sterility in male and female mammals. Herein, we summarize recent progress in miRNA‐mediated regulation of mammalian reproduction and highlight the significance of miRNAs in different aspects of mammalian reproduction including the biogenesis of germ cells, the functionality of reproductive organs, and the development of early embryos. Furthermore, we focus on the gene expression regulatory feedback loops involving hormones and miRNA expression to increase our understanding of germ cell commitment and the functioning of reproductive organs. Finally, we discuss the influence of miRNAs on male and female reproductive failure, and provide perspectives for future studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Musa Md Talimur Reza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gu Han
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Centre (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
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Tang D, Huang Z, He X, Wu H, Peng D, Zhang L, Zhang X. Altered miRNA profile in testis of post-cryptorchidopexy patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:78. [PMID: 30103742 PMCID: PMC6090726 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0393-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is one of the most common causes of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) leading to male infertility. Despite various medical approaches been utilised, many patients still suffer from infertility. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the progress of spermatogenesis; however, little is known about the miRNA expression profile in the testes. Therefore, the miRNA profile was assessed in the testis of post-cryptorchidopexy patients. METHODS Three post-cryptorchidopexy testicular tissue samples from patients aged 23, 26 and 28 years old and three testis tissues from patients with obstructive azoospermia (controls) aged 24, 25 and 36 years old were used in this study. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to perform the miRNA expression profiling. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were subsequently used to confirm the results of several randomly-selected and annotated miRNAs. RESULTS A series of miRNAs were found to be altered between post-cryptorchidopexy testicular tissues and control tissues, including 297 downregulated and 152 upregulated miRNAs. In the subsequent qRT-PCR assays, the expression levels of most of the selected miRNAs (9/12, P < 0.05) were consistent with the results of NGS technology. Furthermore, signal transduction, adaptive immune response and biological regulation were associated with the putative target genes of the differentially-expressed miRNAs via GO analysis. In addition, oxidative phosphorylation, Parkinson's disease and ribosomal pathways were shown to be enriched using KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially-expressed genes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a global view of the miRNAs involved in post-cryptorchidopexy testicular tissues as well as the altered expression of miRNAs compared to control tissues, thus confirming the vital role of miRNAs in cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Tang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fReproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
- 0000 0000 9490 772Xgrid.186775.aAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojin He
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fReproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
- 0000 0000 9490 772Xgrid.186775.aAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Wu
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fReproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
- 0000 0000 9490 772Xgrid.186775.aAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
| | - Dangwei Peng
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- 0000 0004 1771 3402grid.412679.fDepartment of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui People’s Republic of China
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Xu C, Wu S, Zhao W, Mipam T, Liu J, Liu W, Yi C, Shah MA, Yu S, Cai X. Differentially expressed microRNAs between cattleyak and yak testis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:592. [PMID: 29330490 PMCID: PMC5766512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18607-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattleyak are interspecific hybrids between cattle and yak, exhibiting the same prominent adaptability as yak and much higher performances than yak. However, male infertility of cattleyak resulted from spermatogenic arrest has greatly restricted their effective utilization in yak breeding. In past decades, much work has been done to investigate the mechanisms of spermatogenic arrest, but little is known about the differences of the post-transcriptional regulators between cattleyak and yak, which may contribute to the impaired spermatogenesis. MiRNAs, a class of endogenous non-coding small RNA, were revealed to play crucial roles in regulating gene expression at post-transcriptional level. In the present study, we identified 50 differentially expressed (DE) known miRNAs and 11 novel miRNAs by using Illumina HISeq and bioinformatic analysis. A total of 50 putative target sites for the 13 DE known miRNAs and 30 for the 6 DE novel miRNAs were identified, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to reveal the functions of target genes for DE miRNAs. In addition, RT-qPCR was performed to validate the expression of the DE miRNAs and its targets. The identification of these miRNAs may provide valuable information for a better understanding of spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingbo Liu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Mujahid Ali Shah
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Shumin Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China.
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Harchegani AB, Shafaghatian H, Tahmasbpour E, Shahriary A. Regulatory Functions of MicroRNAs in Male Reproductive Health: A New Approach to Understanding Male Infertility. Reprod Sci 2018:1933719118765972. [PMID: 29587612 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118765972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play critical roles in regulation of gene expression, especially at posttranscriptional level. Over the past decade, the degree to which miRNAs are involved in male infertility has become clear. They are expressed in a cell- or phase-specific manner during spermatogenesis and play crucial role in male reproductive health. Therefore, dysregulation of miRNAs in testicular cells can be considered as a molecular basis for reproductive failure and male infertility. The abnormal expression pattern of miRNAs can be transmitted to the offspring via assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and results in the birth of children with a higher risk of infertility, congenital abnormalities, and morbidity. This review expounds on the miRNAs reported to play essential roles in somatic cells development, germ cells differentiation, steroidogenesis, normal spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and male infertility, as well as emphasizes their importance as minimally invasive biomarkers of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Beigi Harchegani
- 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Shafaghatian
- 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eisa Tahmasbpour
- 2 Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- 1 Chemical Injuries Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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An Image-Based miRNA Screen Identifies miRNA-135s As Regulators of CNS Axon Growth and Regeneration by Targeting Krüppel-like Factor 4. J Neurosci 2017; 38:613-630. [PMID: 29196317 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0662-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, axons extend over long distances to establish functional connections. In contrast, axon regeneration in the adult mammalian CNS is limited in part by a reduced intrinsic capacity for axon growth. Therefore, insight into the intrinsic control of axon growth may provide new avenues for enhancing CNS regeneration. Here, we performed one of the first miRNome-wide functional miRNA screens to identify miRNAs with robust effects on axon growth. High-content screening identified miR-135a and miR-135b as potent stimulators of axon growth and cortical neuron migration in vitro and in vivo in male and female mice. Intriguingly, both of these developmental effects of miR-135s relied in part on silencing of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a well known intrinsic inhibitor of axon growth and regeneration. These results prompted us to test the effect of miR-135s on axon regeneration after injury. Our results show that intravitreal application of miR-135s facilitates retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon regeneration after optic nerve injury in adult mice in part by repressing KLF4. In contrast, depletion of miR-135s further reduced RGC axon regeneration. Together, these data identify a novel neuronal role for miR-135s and the miR-135-KLF4 pathway and highlight the potential of miRNAs as tools for enhancing CNS axon regeneration.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Axon regeneration in the adult mammalian CNS is limited in part by a reduced intrinsic capacity for axon growth. Therefore, insight into the intrinsic control of axon growth may provide new avenues for enhancing regeneration. By performing an miRNome-wide functional screen, our studies identify miR-135s as stimulators of axon growth and neuron migration and show that intravitreal application of these miRNAs facilitates CNS axon regeneration after nerve injury in adult mice. Intriguingly, these developmental and regeneration-promoting effects rely in part on silencing of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a well known intrinsic inhibitor of axon regeneration. Our data identify a novel neuronal role for the miR-135-KLF4 pathway and support the idea that miRNAs can be used for enhancing CNS axon regeneration.
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35
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Chen X, Che D, Zhang P, Li X, Yuan Q, Liu T, Guo J, Feng T, Wu L, Liao M, He Z, Zeng W. Profiling of miRNAs in porcine germ cells during spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2017; 154:789-798. [PMID: 28947561 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis includes mitosis of spermatogonia, meiosis of pachytene spermatocytes and spermiogenesis of round spermatids. MiRNAs as a ~22 nt small noncoding RNA are involved in regulating spermatogenesis at post-transcriptional level. However, the dynamic miRNAs expression in the developmental porcine male germ cells remains largely undefined. In this study, we purified porcine spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids using a STA-PUT apparatus. A small RNA deep sequencing and analysis were conducted to establish a miRNAs profiling in these male germ cells. We found that 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed between spermatogonia and pachytene spermatocytes, and 74 miRNAs differentially expressed between pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Furthermore, 91 miRNAs were upregulated, while 108 miRNAs were downregulated in spermatozoa. We demonstrated that ssc-miR-10a-5p, ssc-miR-125b, ssc-let-7f and ssc-miR-186 were highly expressed in spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and spermatozoa respectively. The findings could provide novel insights into roles of miRNAs in regulation of porcine spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongxue Che
- College of Life ScienceNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tongying Feng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular AndrologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Minzhi Liao
- College of Life ScienceNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesRenji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyNorthwest A&F University, Shaanxi, China
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Urbánek P, Klotz L. Posttranscriptional regulation of FOXO expression: microRNAs and beyond. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1514-1532. [PMID: 26920226 PMCID: PMC5446586 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) transcription factors are major regulators of diverse cellular processes, including fuel metabolism, oxidative stress response and redox signalling, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Their activities are controlled by multiple posttranslational modifications and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling. Recently, post-transcriptional regulation of FOXO synthesis has emerged as a new regulatory level of their functions. Accumulating evidence suggests that this post-transcriptional mode of regulation of FOXO activity operates in response to stressful stimuli, including oxidative stress. Here, we give a brief overview on post-transcriptional regulation of FOXO synthesis by microRNAs (miRNAs) and by RNA-binding regulatory proteins, human antigen R (HuR) and quaking (QKI). Aberrant post-transcriptional regulation of FOXOs is frequently connected with various disease states. We therefore discuss characteristic examples of FOXO regulation at the post-transcriptional level under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including oxidative stress and cancer. The picture emerging from this summary points to a diversity of interactions between miRNAs/miRNA-induced silencing complexes and RNA-binding regulatory proteins. Better insight into these complexities of post-transcriptional regulatory interactions will add to our understanding of the mechanisms of pathological processes and the role of FOXO proteins. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Urbánek
- Institute of Nutrition, Department of NutrigenomicsFriedrich‐Schiller‐Universität JenaJenaGermany
| | - L‐O Klotz
- Institute of Nutrition, Department of NutrigenomicsFriedrich‐Schiller‐Universität JenaJenaGermany
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37
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Chen X, Li X, Guo J, Zhang P, Zeng W. The roles of microRNAs in regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:35. [PMID: 28469844 PMCID: PMC5410700 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis contains three continuous and organized processes, by which spermatogonia undergo mitosis and differentiate to spermatocytes, follow on meiosis to form haploid spermatids and ultimately transform into spermatozoa. These processes require an accurately, spatially and temporally regulated gene expression patterns. The microRNAs are a novel class of post-transcriptional regulators. Cumulating evidences have demonstrated that microRNAs are expressed in a cell-specific or stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. In this review, we focus on the roles of microRNAs in spermatogenesis. We highlight that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the biogenesis of microRNAs and miRNA regulates the m6A modification on mRNA, and that specific miRNAs have been exploited as potential biomarkers for the male factor infertility, which will provide insightful understanding of microRNA roles in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Xueliang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100 China
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38
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Urh K, Kunej T. Molecular mechanisms of cryptorchidism development: update of the database, disease comorbidity, and initiative for standardization of reporting in scientific literature. Andrology 2016; 4:894-902. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Urh
- Department of Animal Science; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Domzale Slovenia
| | - T. Kunej
- Department of Animal Science; Biotechnical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Domzale Slovenia
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39
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Luo LF, Hou CC, Yang WX. Small non-coding RNAs and their associated proteins in spermatogenesis. Gene 2015; 578:141-57. [PMID: 26692146 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the gene regulation roles of small non-coding RNAs and their protein partners is of increasing focus. In this paper, we reviewed three main small RNA species which appear to affect spermatogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single stand RNAs derived from transcripts containing stem-loops and hairpins which target corresponding mRNAs and affect their stability or translation. Many miRNA species have been found to be related to normal male germ cell development. The biogenesis of piRNAs is still largely unknown but several models have been proposed. Some piRNAs and PIWIs target transposable elements and it is these that may be active in regulating translation or stem cell maintenance. endo-siRNAs may also participate in sperm development. Some possible interactions between different kinds of small RNAs have even been suggested. We also show that male germ granules are seen to have a close relationship with a considerable number of mRNAs and small RNAs. Those special structures may also participate in sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Feng Luo
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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40
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Yao C, Liu Y, Sun M, Niu M, Yuan Q, Hai Y, Guo Y, Chen Z, Hou J, Liu Y, He Z. MicroRNAs and DNA methylation as epigenetic regulators of mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis. Reproduction 2015; 150:R25-34. [PMID: 25852155 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is composed of three distinctive phases, which include self-renewal of spermatogonia via mitosis, spermatocytes undergoing meiosis I/II and post-meiotic development of haploid spermatids via spermiogenesis. Spermatogenesis also involves condensation of chromatin in the spermatid head before transformation of spermatids to spermatozoa. Epigenetic regulation refers to changes of heritably cellular and physiological traits not caused by modifications in the DNA sequences of the chromatin such as mutations. Major advances have been made in the epigenetic regulation of spermatogenesis. In this review, we address the roles and mechanisms of epigenetic regulators, with a focus on the role of microRNAs and DNA methylation during mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis. We also highlight issues that deserve attention for further investigation on the epigenetic regulation of spermatogenesis. More importantly, a thorough understanding of the epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis will provide insightful information into the etiology of some unexplained infertility, offering new approaches for the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Minghui Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Qingqing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Yanan Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Jingmei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China
| | - Zuping He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghai 200127, ChinaShanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineShanghai 200025, China State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesSchool of Medicine, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujiang Road, Shanghai 200127, ChinaDepartment of UrologySchool of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shangha
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Wang L, Xu C. Role of microRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis and testicular germ cell tumors. Reproduction 2015; 149:R127-37. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small endogenous RNAs, 19–25 nucleotides in size, which play a role in the regulation of gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Spermatogenesis is a complex process through which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) proliferate and differentiate into mature spermatozoa. A large number of miRNAs are abundantly expressed in spermatogenic cells. Growing evidence supports the essential role of miRNA regulation in normal spermatogenesis and male fertility and cumulative research has shown that this form of regulation contributes to the etiology of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). In this review, we addressed recent advancements of miRNA expression profiles in testis and focused on the regulatory functions of miRNA in the process of SSC renewal, spermatogonial mitosis, spermatocyte meiosis, spermiogenesis, and the occurrence of TGCTs.
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Small RNAs: Their Possible Roles in Reproductive Failure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 868:49-79. [PMID: 26178845 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18881-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional gene regulation is a regulatory mechanism which occurs "above the genome" and confers different phenotypes and functions within a cell. Transcript and protein abundance above the level of transcription can be regulated via noncoding ribonucleic acid (ncRNA) molecules, which potentially play substantial roles in the regulation of reproductive function. MicroRNA (miRNA), endogenous small interfering RNA (endo-siRNA), and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) are three primary classes of small ncRNA. Similarities and distinctions between their biogenesis and in the interacting protein machinery that facilitate their function distinguish these three classes. Characterization of the expression and importance of the critical components for the biogenesis of each class in different tissues contributes a clearer understanding of their contributions in specific reproductive tissues and their ability to influence fertility in both males and females. This chapter discusses the expression and potential roles of miRNA, endo-siRNA, and piRNA in the regulation of reproductive function. Additionally, this chapter elaborates on investigations aimed to address and characterize specific mechanisms through which miRNA may influence infertility and the use of miRNA as biomarkers associated with several reproductive calamities such as defective spermatogenesis in males, polycystic ovarian failure, endometriosis and obesity, and chemical-induced subfertility.
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van den Driesche S, Sharpe RM, Saunders PT, Mitchell RT. Regulation of the germ stem cell niche as the foundation for adult spermatogenesis: A role for miRNAs? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 29:76-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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