Abstract
ABSTRACTMicroRNAs (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.
Highlights
Mammalian microRNAs are non-coding RNAs that can regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by targeting the 3 -untranslated region and/or coding region of messenger RNAs (Hausser et al, 2013), and are involved in the regulation of approximately one-third of all mammalian genes (Lewis, Burge, & Bartel, 2005)
MiRNAs are widely involved in sex differentiation (Cook & Blelloch, 2013), gametogenesis (Hayashi et al, 2008), fertilization (Hong et al, 2008), zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and early development (Suh et al, 2010), implantation (Liu et al, 2016), germ layer specification (Vidigal & Ventura, 2012), and pregnancy (Otsuka et al, 2008)
To comprehend the roles of miRNAs in mammalian reproduction requires an in-depth review focusing on mammalian species, as mammals are relatively unique in their structure, physiology, and psychology
Summary
Mammalian microRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that can regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by targeting the 3 -untranslated region and/or coding region of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) (Hausser et al, 2013), and are involved in the regulation of approximately one-third of all mammalian genes (Lewis, Burge, & Bartel, 2005). Several reviews have focused on the event-specific involvement of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, endogenous siRNAs, piwi-interacting RNAs) in the reproduction of different species. Those reviews included all types of non-coding RNAs and a wide range of species (insects, non-vertebrates, fishes, and birds), in order to develop an understanding of their roles in reproductive biology. We summarize recent progress in miRNAmediated regulation of mammalian reproduction, and highlight the significance of miRNAs in different aspects of mammalian reproduction including the biogenesis of germ cells, functionality of reproductive organs, and development of early embryos, as well as covering infertility and sterility derived from miRNA deregulation in males and females. We discuss the influence of miRNAs on male and female reproductive failure, and provide a set of conclusive remarks to guide future studies in this topic
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