title: The roles of microRNAs and siRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis.
abstract: MicroRNAs and siRNAs, both of which are AGO-bound small RNAs, are essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. Although their precise germline roles remain largely uncharacterized, recent discoveries suggest that they function in mechanisms beyond microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional control, playing roles in DNA repair and transcriptional regulation within the nucleus. Here, we discuss the latest findings regarding roles for AGO proteins and their associated small RNAs in the male germline. We integrate genetic, clinical and genomics data, and draw upon findings from non-mammalian models, to examine potential roles for AGO-bound small RNAs during spermatogenesis. Finally, we evaluate the emerging and differing roles for AGOs and AGO-bound small RNAs in the male and female germlines, suggesting potential reasons for these sexual dimorphisms.
authors: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors: Stephanie
authors: 0000-0002-6995-6719
authors: S
authors: Hilz
authors: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
authors: Andrew J
authors: AJ
authors: Modzelewski
authors: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
authors: Paula E
authors: PE
authors: Cohen
authors: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA agrimson@cornell.edu.
authors: Andrew
authors: 0000-0002-5794-6484
authors: A
authors: Grimson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering
keywords: AGO; Germ line; Mammalian spermatogenesis; MicroRNA; miRNA; siRNA