Abstract
The continuous production of spermatozoa is a tightly regulated biological process, both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recently, different classes of small non-coding RNAs have emerged as important regulators of spermatogenesis. Available molecular and genetic data, although still fragmented, underscore their crucial role in regulating the fine tuning of gene expression required for testicular function. Here, we review the latest advances accomplished in this domain, spanning from the biogenesis of these small non-coding RNAs to their roles in male reproductive function.
© 2012 médecine/sciences – Inserm / SRMS.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Lineage / genetics
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Cell Lineage / physiology
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases / physiology
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Germ Cells / metabolism
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Germ Cells / physiology
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Humans
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Male
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Models, Biological
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RNA, Small Untranslated / classification
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RNA, Small Untranslated / genetics
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RNA, Small Untranslated / metabolism
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RNA, Small Untranslated / physiology*
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Reproduction / genetics
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Reproduction / physiology
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Ribonuclease III / genetics
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Ribonuclease III / metabolism
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Ribonuclease III / physiology
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Spermatogenesis / genetics*
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Spermatogenesis / physiology
Substances
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RNA, Small Untranslated
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DICER1 protein, human
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Ribonuclease III
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DEAD-box RNA Helicases