Epididymal acquired sperm microRNAs modify post-fertilization embryonic gene expression.
Cell Rep
; 43(9): 114698, 2024 Sep 24.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39226174
ABSTRACT
Sperm small RNAs have emerged as important non-genetic contributors to embryogenesis and offspring health. A subset of sperm small RNAs is thought to be acquired during epididymal transit. However, the identity of the specific small RNAs transferred remains unclear. Here, we employ Cre/Lox genetics to generate germline- and epididymal-specific Dgcr8 knockout (KO) mice to investigate the dynamics of sperm microRNAs (miRNAs) and their functions post-fertilization. Testicular sperm from germline Dgcr8 KO mice has reduced levels of 116 miRNAs. Enthrallingly, following epididymal transit, the abundance of 72% of these miRNAs is restored. Conversely, sperm from epididymal Dgcr8 KO mice displayed reduced levels of 27 miRNAs. This loss of epididymal miRNAs in sperm was accompanied by transcriptomic changes in embryos fertilized by this sperm, which was rescued by microinjection of epididymal miRNAs. These findings ultimately demonstrate the acquisition of miRNAs from the soma by sperm during epididymal transit and their subsequent regulation of embryonic gene expression.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Spermatozoa
/
Mice, Knockout
/
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
/
MicroRNAs
/
Epididymis
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Cell Rep
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article