Research advances of Dicer in regulating reproductive function

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Dicer, an RNAse III endonuclease, is crucial for small noncoding RNA biogenesis.
• Small noncoding RNAs regulate gene expression transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally.
• Dicer's roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis are well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pivotal roles of Dicer in male and female reproduction.
• To understand the relationship between Dicer and reproductive diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Dicer in reproductive biology.
• Analysis of Dicer's function in gametogenesis, fertilization, and early development.

Main Results:

• Dicer is critical for spermatogenic cell development, sperm maturation, motility, and morphology in males.
• Dicer influences follicular development, ovulation, luteinization, sex hormone synthesis, and fallopian tube/endometrial function in females.
• Dicer dysregulation may compromise embryo development by affecting sperm and egg quality.

Conclusions:

• Dicer plays significant roles in both male and female reproductive processes.
• Understanding Dicer's function is vital for investigating reproductive dysfunction, including azoospermia and recurrent spontaneous abortion.