The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm

Small non-coding RNAs constitute a dynamic epigenetic layer in mature spermatozoa that can exert transgenerational regulatory functions. Here, we review recent advances in the field of small RNAs in spermatozoa, how their profiles change in response to lifestyle or environmental factors, and their i...

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Main Authors: Yoon Sing Yap, Pasquale Patrizio, Luisa Cimmino, Konstantinos Sdrimas, Aristeidis G. Telonis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Non-Coding RNA
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-553X/11/1/15
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author Yoon Sing Yap
Pasquale Patrizio
Luisa Cimmino
Konstantinos Sdrimas
Aristeidis G. Telonis
author_facet Yoon Sing Yap
Pasquale Patrizio
Luisa Cimmino
Konstantinos Sdrimas
Aristeidis G. Telonis
author_sort Yoon Sing Yap
collection DOAJ
description Small non-coding RNAs constitute a dynamic epigenetic layer in mature spermatozoa that can exert transgenerational regulatory functions. Here, we review recent advances in the field of small RNAs in spermatozoa, how their profiles change in response to lifestyle or environmental factors, and their impact on offsprings’ physiology. The profile of these RNAs changes dramatically during spermatozoa maturation. The majority of intracellular small RNAs during early spermatogenesis are miRNAs and piRNAs, but, in mature spermatozoa, tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments (tRFs and rRFs, respectively) are the predominant forms, primarily delivered from the epididymis via extracellular vesicles. Diet, exercise, and environmental exposures have a direct effect on small RNA levels in spermatozoa, and this differential abundance can reprogram the development of the embryo. Offsprings of fathers with different lifestyles can have different phenotypes, including altered metabolism or behavior. Therefore, small RNAs in spermatozoa are emerging as an important epigenetic layer in development and transgenerational inheritance.
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series Non-Coding RNA
spelling doaj-art-fe4b5d6141de4d308e811c2ee6e636872025-08-20T03:12:01ZengMDPI AGNon-Coding RNA2311-553X2025-02-011111510.3390/ncrna11010015The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse SpermYoon Sing Yap0Pasquale Patrizio1Luisa Cimmino2Konstantinos Sdrimas3Aristeidis G. Telonis4Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USADepartment of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USADepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USADepartment of Medical Oncology, West Virginia Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USADepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USASmall non-coding RNAs constitute a dynamic epigenetic layer in mature spermatozoa that can exert transgenerational regulatory functions. Here, we review recent advances in the field of small RNAs in spermatozoa, how their profiles change in response to lifestyle or environmental factors, and their impact on offsprings’ physiology. The profile of these RNAs changes dramatically during spermatozoa maturation. The majority of intracellular small RNAs during early spermatogenesis are miRNAs and piRNAs, but, in mature spermatozoa, tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments (tRFs and rRFs, respectively) are the predominant forms, primarily delivered from the epididymis via extracellular vesicles. Diet, exercise, and environmental exposures have a direct effect on small RNA levels in spermatozoa, and this differential abundance can reprogram the development of the embryo. Offsprings of fathers with different lifestyles can have different phenotypes, including altered metabolism or behavior. Therefore, small RNAs in spermatozoa are emerging as an important epigenetic layer in development and transgenerational inheritance.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-553X/11/1/15spermtRNA fragmentsrRNA fragmentsmiRNAepigenetics
spellingShingle Yoon Sing Yap
Pasquale Patrizio
Luisa Cimmino
Konstantinos Sdrimas
Aristeidis G. Telonis
The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
Non-Coding RNA
sperm
tRNA fragments
rRNA fragments
miRNA
epigenetics
title The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
title_full The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
title_fullStr The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
title_full_unstemmed The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
title_short The Small Non-Coding RNA Profile of Human and Mouse Sperm
title_sort small non coding rna profile of human and mouse sperm
topic sperm
tRNA fragments
rRNA fragments
miRNA
epigenetics
url https://www.mdpi.com/2311-553X/11/1/15
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