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Study of Small Non-Coding RNA (miRNA) Expression Pattern of Fertile/Infertile Male Semen
Yasir Haider Al-Mawlah1, Mustafa Nuhad Al-Darraji2, Mustafa Jawad Al-Imari3
1DNA Research Center, University of Babylon, Iraq.
Background:
Infertility is a serious health issue that affects people all around the world. One of the most common reasons for male infertility is sperm abnormalities. Researchers and scientists have been searching for a novel genetic marker to detect or recognize the genetic malfunction that causes sperm abnormalities. Micro-RNA (miRNAs) are small non-coded RNA molecules that present intra and extra-cellular and regulate gene expression.
Objective:
This studies began to search for a relation between miRNA expression levels and other diseases that may be related to them, considering that the main role of miRNAs was the down-regulation of genes.
Methods:
The main technique used in this study was to synthesize a complementary DNA (cDNA) (revers transcription method) of extracted total RNA by TRIzol then amplification of candidates' miRNAs genes by Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction RT-qPCR.
Results:
Studies found that miRNAs have a role in defining sperm qualities such as sperm count, motility, and shape. In this study, we chose the most miRNAs referred to in the previous study as a potential seminal fluid marker (miR-10a, miR-10b, miR-135a and miR-135b) to test them as potential infertility-related miRNAs markers (Asthenospermia AS, Oligospermia OS, Astheno-Oligospermia ASOS) in addition to health normal sperm NS.
Conclusion:
the main aim of this study was to find the miRNAs expression pattern to find a way to help scientists track the genetic causes of male infertility issues and a novel method to distinguish infertility genetically diseases.
Conclusion:
The findings may serve as a potential genetic marker for male infertility and provide a background for future research that targeted miRNAs as a molecular marker for medical and forensic fields, also as an infertility disease potential treatment.
Insights
This study identifies specific micro-RNAs (miRNAs) as potential genetic markers for male infertility. These findings could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for sperm abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Male infertility is a significant global health concern, often linked to sperm abnormalities.
- Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing cellular functions.
- Identifying genetic markers for male infertility is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between miRNA expression levels and male infertility.
- To identify specific miRNAs that can serve as potential biomarkers for sperm abnormalities.
- To explore miRNAs as a novel method for distinguishing genetic causes of infertility.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of total RNA and synthesis of complementary DNA (cDNA) using the TRIzol method.
- Amplification of candidate miRNA genes via Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR).
- Analysis of miRNA expression patterns in normal sperm and infertile individuals with asthenospermia, oligospermia, and astheno-oligospermia.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNAs (miR-10a, miR-10b, miR-135a, miR-135b) were identified as potential seminal fluid markers.
- These miRNAs show altered expression patterns in different types of male infertility.
- miRNAs play a significant role in determining sperm quality, including count, motility, and morphology.
Conclusions:
- The identified miRNAs can serve as potential genetic markers for male infertility.
- These findings offer a basis for developing novel molecular diagnostic tools for male infertility.
- Targeting miRNAs may present future therapeutic strategies for infertility and applications in forensic science.
