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Updated: May 16, 2026

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
Published on: June 17, 2025
Sperm tRNA-derived fragments: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for paternal epigenetic inheritance
Shiwei Song1,2,3, Bin Zhang1,2,3, Fengli Xiong1,2,3
1Department of Medicine, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China.
Abstract:
Sperm tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have emerged as novel regulators of paternal epigenetic inheritance. By modulating embryonic epigenetic reprogramming, transposon silencing, and intergenerational genetic programming, tRFs mediate the transgenerational transmission of paternal environmental information, extending conventional notions of genetic inheritance. This review systematically elaborates the molecular mechanisms, clinical applications, and potential interventional strategies of tRFs. Through an in-depth analysis of how tRFs regulate the epigenetic landscape during embryonic development, we highlight their applications in diagnosing and treating male infertility, as well as in preventing transgenerational diseases. This work provides new insights into interventions targeting paternal epigenetic transmission and associated disorders.
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