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Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers
Muhammad Naveed1,2, Zhaokang Shen1,2, Jianqiang Bao3,4
1Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
Cell & Bioscience
|January 17, 2025
Summary
Paternally transmitted small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in sperm carry epigenetic information, influencing offspring traits. This review explores their role in environmental adaptation and transgenerational inheritance mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) were once viewed as cellular byproducts.
- Emerging research identifies sncRNAs as key epigenetic information carriers.
- These molecules play a role in paternal transmission of acquired traits, especially under environmental stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on environmentally-responsive sperm-borne sncRNAs.
- To elaborate on their functions in epigenetic and transgenerational inheritance.
- To explore mechanisms of trait transmission to offspring.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on sperm-borne sncRNAs.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding sncRNA origin, dynamics, and characteristics.
- Analysis of functional roles and proposed mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Sperm sncRNAs are crucial for epigenetic inheritance across generations.
- Environmental factors can influence sncRNA content in sperm.
- These sncRNAs are implicated in modulating offspring gene expression and development.
Conclusions:
- Sperm-borne sncRNAs are vital mediators of paternal epigenetic inheritance.
- Understanding their mechanisms is crucial for reproductive and developmental biology.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate their role in transgenerational inheritance.
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