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Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Functional Assessment of Kinesin-7 CENP-E in Spermatocytes Using In Vivo Inhibition, Immunofluorescence and Flow Cytometry
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In vivo functions of miRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis

Jian Chen1,2,3, Chunsheng Han1,2,3,4

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|May 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial for mammalian spermatogenesis, but studying them is difficult. This review highlights miRNA roles and mechanisms in sperm development using genetic methods.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in mammalian spermatogenesis, as mutations in miRNA biogenesis genes disrupt sperm production.
  • Studying individual miRNA functions is challenging due to sequence similarities and gene clustering, complicating genetic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mammalian spermatogenesis.
  • To discuss the mechanisms underlying miRNA involvement in sperm development.
  • To explore advancements in studying miRNA functions in spermatogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on in vivo genetic methods to elucidate miRNA functions.
  • Review of existing literature on miRNA roles in spermatogenesis.
  • Discussion of traditional and novel technologies for miRNA research.

Main Results:

  • Evidence confirms significant roles for specific miRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis.
  • Underlying molecular mechanisms of miRNA action in sperm development are beginning to be understood.
  • Genetic methods, despite challenges, have been instrumental in identifying key miRNA players.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are essential regulators of mammalian spermatogenesis.
  • Further research, leveraging improved methodologies, will enhance our understanding of miRNA functions in male fertility.
  • Advancements in technology offer promising avenues for future miRNA research in this field.
Keywords:
in vivomale fertilitymammalmiRNAspermatogenesis

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