Host microRNAs regulate expression of hepatitis B virus genes during transmission from patients' sperm to embryo

Human sperm nucleus contains diverse RNA populations. This study aimed to screen and identify host microRNAs (miRs) that regulate gene expression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) during transmission from patients' sperm to sperm-derived embryos. Using microarrays, 336 miRs were found to be differentially expressed. After validation using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), four miRs were selected as targets. Using RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, when patients' sperm were treated with mimics (or inhibitors) specific for hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-29c-3p, the S gene transcription in sperm and translation in sperm-derived embryos was downregulated (or upregulated). There were significant differences in transcriptional and translational levels of the S gene between the test and control groups. These findings suggest that hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-29c-3p significantly suppressed expression of the S gene, offering potential therapeutic targets for treating patients with HBV infection, and further reducing the negative impact of HBV infection on sperm fertilizing capacity.