Spermatogenesis is a complicated and poorly understood process that relies on the precise regulation of the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia. In many organisms, micro RNAs(mi RNAs) are involved in multiple developmental processes as critical regulators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing. This study investigated the expression pattern of mi RNAs in type B spermatogonia cells(BSc) and primary spermatocytes(PSc) of mice, using a high-throughput small RNA sequencing system. The results revealed that the expression levels of Let-7 family mi RNAs were remarkably high in both cell types. Furthermore, the expression levels of mi R-21, mi R-140-3p, mi R-103, mi R-30 a, mi R-101 b and mi R-99 b were decreased during the transformation from BSc to PSc. These mi RNAs target vital genes that participate in apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation, junction assembly and cell cycle regulation. These results highlight the indispensable role of mi RNAs in spermatogenesis.
Objective:LM23（AF492385） is a gene specifically expressed in the testis of Rattus norvegicus previously reported by our laboratory.The aim of the study is to further investigate its biological function. Methods:Bioinformatic tools were utilized,including Protfun server and CPHmodles.The biological functions of LM23 were analyzed with microarray analysis,using a rat model of LM23 gene knock-down. Results:Protfun server shows that LM23 is likely a growth factor or Lyase.LM23 is more likely involved in regulatory functions of translation.The expressions of some genes related to the cell cycle were significantly changed after LM23 knock-down,as shown by microarray analysis. Conclusions:LM23 may regulate the G1/S and G2/M transitions of the cell cycle during spermatogenesis.
