O-255 microRNA-23a/b-3p regulate expression levels of testis-specific transcripts in men with impaired fecundity

Abstract Study question To investigate whether microRNA-23a/b-3p targets spermatogenesis-related transcripts and this targeting impacts their expression contents in patients with subfertility. Summary answer The higher of lower 11 tested target genes are associated men subfertility What is known already Spermatogenesis a complex highly regulated process, many involved, the levels which strongly or partially coordinated by microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs small, non-coding RNAs that involved post-transcriptional regulation gene expression. Transcriptome analysis shows hundreds expressed exclusively predominantly male germ cells including CEP41, G2E3, GOLGA6B, GOLGA6C, LMLN, NOL4, PAPOLB, PCDHA9, RGPD1, SOX6, ZNF695 genes, play crucial role during spermatogenesis and/or sperm function. However, these still unclear. design, size, duration Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), dual luciferase assay, Western blot, bioinformatics were used to validate as result A total 82 included for RT-qPCR, consisting 41 oligoasthenozoospermic subfertile who attended IVF center infertility treatment age-matched normozoospermic volunteers served controls. Participants/materials, setting, methods In silico prediction dual-luciferase assays performed evaluate potential links between genes. Total RNA, miRNA, was isolated from (n = 41) 41). RT-qPCR detect Correlation analyses mRNA basic semen parameters carried out. Main results chance significantly up-regulated down-regulated compared determined RT-qPCR. Using assays, 9 identified direct miR-23a-3p 4 miR-23b-3p. Mutations miR-23a/b-3p binding site within 3ˊuntranslated regions (3ˊUTRs) either miR-23b-3p, resulted abrogated responsiveness confirmed SOX6 PCDHA9 highlighted count, motility, morphology positively correlated level validated Limitations, reasons caution Despite correlation further validation blotting human testicular tissues needed. Wider implications findings Findings suggest subfertility, probably through influencing parameters. This study lay groundwork future studies focused on investigating therapies infertility. Trial registration number Hedwig-Stalter foundation (2016)