title: Human spermatozoal RNAs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a focused review of the scientific literature pertaining to spermatozoal RNA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the literature and appraisal of relevant articles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Infertile male.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Spermatozoal RNAs as potential epigenetic modifiers in early embryo development and as clinical markers of male infertility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nucleus of mature spermatozoa contains a complex population of mRNAs and miRNAs despite its transcriptionally inert state.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A specific set of functional RNAs are delivered into oocytes during fertilization and are thought to contribute extragenomically to early embryonic development. Even if spermatozoal RNAs is merely residual, it still has the potential to greatly improve the investigative and diagnostic potential of male infertility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. toshiohamatani@z3.keio.jp
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hamatani
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger