MicroRNA-10b regulates the renewal of spermatogonial stem cells through Kruppel-like factor 4

Cell Biochem Funct. 2017 Apr;35(3):184-191. doi: 10.1002/cbf.3263.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are functionally important in spermatogenesis, which is the self-renewal or differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here, we report a novel role for miR-10b in regulating the self-renewal of mouse SSCs. We showed that miR-10b was highly expressed in mouse SSCs in vitro and enhanced SSC proliferation. Knockdown of miR-10b significantly increased the apoptosis of SSCs compared with controls. Kruppel-like factor 4 was found to be a target gene of miR-10b in the enhancement of SSC proliferation. These findings further our understanding of the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs and provide a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of male infertility.

Keywords: KLF4; miR10b; self-renewal; spermatogonial stem cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Self Renewal
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • RNA Interference
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology*
  • Spermatogonia / cytology*
  • Spermatogonia / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Testis / cytology*
  • Testis / metabolism

Substances

  • Klf4 protein, mouse
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 4
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • MIRN10 microRNA, mouse
  • MicroRNAs