Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

The Interplay of Coding and Non-Coding Regulations in Mouse Spermatogenesis

Alfred Chun-Shui LUK and Tin-Lap LEE

Spermatogenesis is an essential biological process to produce functional male gametes from undifferentiated progenitor cells throughout the reproductive age. Success in a series of differentiation of stem cell-like progenitor cells is a complex cascade and involves sophisticated regulations by various types of molecules in the developing germ cell. In this review, we will discuss the role of different groups of germline biomolecules, including some protein coding genes, microRNAs, piRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in leading to a complete cycle of mouse spermatogenesis. We will also share our perspective on future research opportunities on lncRNA regulations in spermatogenesis. Development of male gametes in mammals is regarded as one of the most efficient biological processes, which is characterized by a continuous production of sperms from puberty till the end of reproductive age, which lasts for more than a half of male lifespan. It would not be possible to achieve successful spermatogenesis without numerous regulatory molecules in germ cells accomplishing their functions. We will discuss in the following parts how four types of regulatory molecules are so important in different stages in spermatogenesis.