Abstract
The genetic codes inscribed during two key developmental processes, namely gametogenesis and embryogenesis, are believed to determine subsequent development and survival of adult life. Once the embryo is formed, its further development mainly depends on its intrinsic characteristics, maternal environment (the endometrial receptivity), and the embryo–maternal interactions established during each phase of development. These developmental processes are under strict genetic regulation that could be manifested temporally and spatially depending on the physiological and developmental status of the cell. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one of the small non-coding classes of RNAs, approximately 19–22 nucleotides in length, are one of the candidates for post-transcriptional developmental regulators. These tiny non-coding RNAs are expressed in ovarian tissue, granulosa cells, testis, oocytes, follicular fluid, and embryos and are implicated in diverse biological processes such as cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, accumulated evidences have also highlighted that miRNAs can be released into the extracellular environment through different mechanisms facilitating intercellular communication. Therefore, understanding miRNAs mediated regulatory mechanisms during gametogenesis and embryogenesis provides further insights about the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte/sperm formation, early embryo development, and implantation. Thus, this review highlights the role of miRNAs in mammalian gametogenesis and embryogenesis and summarizes recent findings about miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms occurring during early mammalian development.
Highlights
Perpetuation and existence of mammalian species are maintained through reproduction
Our previous study have shown miRNAs that potentially involve in cell adhesion, cell proliferation, apoptosis and metabolism were significantly different between the granulosa cells of preovulatory dominant and subordinate follicles at day 19 of the bovine oestrous cycle [32]
Regulates and progesterone production and luteal development in human luteinized granulosa cells Regulates human granulosa cells proliferation by targeting serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase family member 3 (SGK3) expression Regulation of granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis in woman affected by polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS Promotes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) -induced estradiol production and granulosa cell proliferation in humans Regulate oxidative stress-induced Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) acetylation and granulosa cell apoptosis in mice
Summary
Perpetuation and existence of mammalian species are maintained through reproduction. Certainly, at any given time and environmental condition, the reproduction pattern of mammals are believed to be directed by the hereditary codes inscribed during the process of development. The genetic material encoded on the gametes are the key determiners, genetic codes/inscriptions written during the formation of one-cell embryo (zygote) determine the fate of embryonic development and the organism’s fitness/destiny concerning the physical and morphological characteristics, reproductive and productive performance, resistance to diseases and adaptability. This general conclusion is deduced based on the assumption of basic dogma of molecular biology, which states that the genetic information is transferred from DNA to RNA to protein. This review highlights the role of cellular and extracellular vesicles originated miRNAs in mammalian gametogenesis and embryogenesis
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