Regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis by miRNAs

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.

Automated summary

This article discusses the impact of microRNAs on male fertility, specifically focusing on the regulation of gene expression in germ cells and Sertoli cells. The study highlights the importance of miRNA in differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells, and how they contribute to the overall process of spermatogenesis. Additionally, the role of miRNAs in signaling the initiation of puberty in a non-human primate model is also discussed.