Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers
Abstract Over the past two decades, the study of sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) has garnered substantial growth. Once considered mere byproducts during germ cell maturation, these sncRNAs have now been recognized as crucial carriers of epigenetic information, playing a significant role...
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Cell & Bioscience |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-025-01347-4 |
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| author | Muhammad Naveed Zhaokang Shen Jianqiang Bao |
| author_facet | Muhammad Naveed Zhaokang Shen Jianqiang Bao |
| author_sort | Muhammad Naveed |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Over the past two decades, the study of sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) has garnered substantial growth. Once considered mere byproducts during germ cell maturation, these sncRNAs have now been recognized as crucial carriers of epigenetic information, playing a significant role in transmitting acquired traits from paternal to offspring, particularly under environmental influences. A growing body of evidence highlights the pivotal role of these sncRNAs in facilitating epigenetic inheritance across generations. However, the exact mechanisms through which these paternally supplied epigenetic carriers operate remain unclear and are under hot debate. This concise review presents the most extensive evidence to date on environmentally-responsive sperm-borne sncRNAs, encompassing brief summary of their origin, dynamics, compartmentalization, characteristics, as well as in-depth elaboration of their functional roles in epigenetic and transgenerational inheritance. Additionally, the review delves into the potential mechanisms by which sperm-delivered sncRNAs may acquire and transmit paternally acquired traits to offspring, modulating zygotic gene expression and influencing early embryonic development. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c4818b92123347c8b03bc3babd4cf5ef |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-3701 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cell & Bioscience |
| spelling | doaj-art-c4818b92123347c8b03bc3babd4cf5ef2025-01-19T12:40:20ZengBMCCell & Bioscience2045-37012025-01-0115112310.1186/s13578-025-01347-4Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriersMuhammad Naveed0Zhaokang Shen1Jianqiang Bao2Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaCenter for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaCenter for Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaAbstract Over the past two decades, the study of sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) has garnered substantial growth. Once considered mere byproducts during germ cell maturation, these sncRNAs have now been recognized as crucial carriers of epigenetic information, playing a significant role in transmitting acquired traits from paternal to offspring, particularly under environmental influences. A growing body of evidence highlights the pivotal role of these sncRNAs in facilitating epigenetic inheritance across generations. However, the exact mechanisms through which these paternally supplied epigenetic carriers operate remain unclear and are under hot debate. This concise review presents the most extensive evidence to date on environmentally-responsive sperm-borne sncRNAs, encompassing brief summary of their origin, dynamics, compartmentalization, characteristics, as well as in-depth elaboration of their functional roles in epigenetic and transgenerational inheritance. Additionally, the review delves into the potential mechanisms by which sperm-delivered sncRNAs may acquire and transmit paternally acquired traits to offspring, modulating zygotic gene expression and influencing early embryonic development.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-025-01347-4TestisSmall non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs)Epigenetic inheritanceEmbryonic developmentExtracellular vesicles (EVs)Sperm |
| spellingShingle | Muhammad Naveed Zhaokang Shen Jianqiang Bao Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers Cell & Bioscience Testis Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) Epigenetic inheritance Embryonic development Extracellular vesicles (EVs) Sperm |
| title | Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers |
| title_full | Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers |
| title_fullStr | Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers |
| title_short | Sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs: potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers |
| title_sort | sperm borne small non coding rnas potential functions and mechanisms as epigenetic carriers |
| topic | Testis Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) Epigenetic inheritance Embryonic development Extracellular vesicles (EVs) Sperm |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-025-01347-4 |
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