title: Small non-coding RNAs and their associated proteins in spermatogenesis.
abstract: The importance of the gene regulation roles of small non-coding RNAs and their protein partners is of increasing focus. In this paper, we reviewed three main small RNA species which appear to affect spermatogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single stand RNAs derived from transcripts containing stem-loops and hairpins which target corresponding mRNAs and affect their stability or translation. Many miRNA species have been found to be related to normal male germ cell development. The biogenesis of piRNAs is still largely unknown but several models have been proposed. Some piRNAs and PIWIs target transposable elements and it is these that may be active in regulating translation or stem cell maintenance. endo-siRNAs may also participate in sperm development. Some possible interactions between different kinds of small RNAs have even been suggested. We also show that male germ granules are seen to have a close relationship with a considerable number of mRNAs and small RNAs. Those special structures may also participate in sperm development.
authors.affiliation: The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
authors.forename: Ling-Feng
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.affiliation: School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
authors.forename: Cong-Cong
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.affiliation: The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. Electronic address: wxyang@spermlab.org.
authors.forename: Wan-Xi
authors.initials: WX
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D058727:RNA, Small Untranslated / Q000235:genetics*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D013737:Testis / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D058727:RNA, Small Untranslated
keywords: Spermatogenesis; Testis; endo-siRNA; miRNA; piRNA; sncRNA