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MicroRNAs in Sertoli cells: implications for spermatogenesis and fertility

  • Mini Review
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Abstract

In recent decades, infertility has been considered a major widespread public health issue of very high concern. Currently, almost 50% of infertility cases are due to male factors, including semen disorders, obstructions, cryptorchidism, varicocele and testicular failures, which can occur due to malfunctions in both somatic and germ cells. In this context, besides other approaches, different miRNAs have been used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of male infertility, with different pathologic conditions such as Sertoli cell-only syndrome, mixed atrophy, and germ cell arrest. However, most studies related to male fertility do not point out the functions and cell targets of the described miRNAs. Initial investigations using experimental assays in murine and porcine models were performed, providing the first evidence of the influence of miRNAs on Sertoli cell function including, for instance, proliferation, maturation and hormone responses of these cells. The aim of this mini-review is therefore to summarize our present knowledge of this relevant subject and to highlight the importance of future investigations concerning the miRNA influence in the control of Sertoli cells, spermatogenesis and male fertility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (ICB/UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

    Marcela S. Procópio, Gleide F. de Avelar, Guilherme M. J. Costa, Samyra M. S. N. Lacerda & Luiz R. de França

  2. Cell Signaling & Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

    Rodrigo R. Resende

  3. Nanocell Institute, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil

    Rodrigo R. Resende

  4. National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA/Manaus), Manaus, Brazil

    Luiz R. de França

Authors
  1. Marcela S. Procópio
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  2. Gleide F. de Avelar
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  3. Guilherme M. J. Costa
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  4. Samyra M. S. N. Lacerda
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  5. Rodrigo R. Resende
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  6. Luiz R. de França
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luiz R. de França.

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Procópio, M.S., de Avelar, G.F., Costa, G.M.J. et al. MicroRNAs in Sertoli cells: implications for spermatogenesis and fertility. Cell Tissue Res 370, 335–346 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-017-2667-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-017-2667-z

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