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Hereditas(Beijing) ›› 2025, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (8): 861-875.doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.24-335

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Progress on small non-coding RNAs in male reproductive development and intergenerational inheritance

Yuqian Shi1,2,3(), Jianfeng Ma1,2,3, Siyu Chen1,2,3, Lixin Zhou4, Jia Xue4, Linyuan Shen1,2,3, Li Zhu1,2,3(), Mailin Gan1,2,3()   

  1. 1. National Key Laboratory of Pig and Poultry Seed Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    2. Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Exploration and Innovative Utilization of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    3. Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Biomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
    4. Chengdu City Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Chengdu 610041, China
  • Received:2024-11-24 Revised:2025-03-10 Online:2025-05-12 Published:2025-05-12
  • Contact: Li Zhu, Mailin Gan E-mail:2023302150@stu.sicau.edu.cn;zhuli@sicau.edu.cn;ganmailin@sicau.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(32302689);Sichuan Province Science and Technology Plan Project(2021YFYZ0007);Sichuan Province Science and Technology Plan Project(2021ZDZX0008);Sichuan Province Science and Technology Plan Project(2024NSFSC1176);National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Sichuan Pig Innovation Team Project(SCCXTD-2024-8);National Pig Industry System(CARS-35)

Abstract:

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are crucial in epigenetics, playing a significant regulatory role in the normal development and intergenerational inheritance of male reproduction. Research has shown that highly expressed sncRNAs, including miRNAs, piRNAs, and tsRNAs, are vital in maintaining male germ cell development and spermatogenesis. sncRNAs regulate gene expression, influence protein translation, and modify sperm epigenetics, contributing to male reproductive development at various stages. Abnormal expression of sncRNAs is closely linked to male infertility. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that environmental exposures affect sperm epigenetic modifications, often leading to phenotypic changes in future generations. In this review, we summarize the types and functions of sncRNAs in male germ cells and examine their role in intergenerational inheritance due to environmental factors. It aims to provide new insights into male reproductive health and potential targets for preventing and treating male infertility and related diseases.

Key words: sncRNA, male reproduction, spermatogenesis, intergenerational inheritance