Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0932
ISSN: 2161-0932
Shijue Dong
Nantong University, China
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Gynecol Obstet
The testis is a key reservoir of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), yet their physiological roles in male reproduction remain debated. Notably, lncRNAs 1700101O22Rik (22Rik) and 1700027A15Rik (15Rik) are uniquely expressed in the mouse testis. Previous research indicates that both 22Rik and 15Rik play roles in male reproductive processes; however, it is still unclear whether their effects on fertility are cumulative or compensatory. To investigate the influence of simultaneous deletion of 22Rik and 15Rik on male reproduction and whether there are additive effects. 22Rik and 15Rik knockout (KO) mice were generated using CRISPR-Cas9, and double knockout (DKO) mice were obtained through co-caging. The simultaneous deletion of 22Rik and 15Rik led to abnormal sperm morphology, impaired acrosome reaction, and reduced in vitro fertilization. Sperm count and fertility were also decreased in DKO male mice. Compared to the KO of lncRNA 22Rik, reproductive abnormalities were somewhat exacerbated but largely similar to those observed with 15Rik KO alone due to shared targeted genes, particularly Y chromosome-linked genes. Additionally, these abnormal phenotypes may be linked to reduced expression of transition protein 1 and dysfunction of the HSF2-Rik22-Rik15 complex in DKO mice. Our study demonstrates for the first time that simultaneous knockout of these two lncRNAs adversely affects sperm morphology and function by disrupting the HSF2-Rik22-Rik15 complex. Moreover, many overlapping regulated genes suggest that 22Rik and 15Rik may share similar regulatory mechanisms at the molecular level. This research sheds light on the causes and mechanisms behind sperm malformation and impaired male fertility.
Dr. Shijue Dong is a researcher at Nantong University, China, specializing in reproductive biology and molecular genetics. His work primarily focuses on the role of long non-coding RNAs in male fertility and sperm development. He has contributed significant findings on how the loss of lncRNAs 1700101O22Rik and 1700027A15Rik leads to sperm malformation and subfertility. Dr. Dong is recognized for his expertise in functional genomics and reproductive dysfunction. He continues to advance research aimed at improving understanding and treatment of male infertility.