Open AccessLong noncoding RNAs regulated spermatogenesis in varicocele‐induced spermatogenic dysfunction
Author(s) -
Wang Shangren,
Kang Jiaqi,
Song Yuxuan,
Zhang Aiqiao,
Pan Yang,
Zhang Zhexin,
Li Yuezheng,
Niu Shuai,
Liu Li,
Liu Xiaoqiang
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/cpr.13220
Subject(s) - spermatogenesis , biology , spermatocyte , long non coding rna , sperm , andrology , downregulation and upregulation , pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , microrna , signal transduction , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , meiosis , genetics , medicine
Objectives To evaluate the expression, potential functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of varicocele (VC)‐induced spermatogenic dysfunction. Materials and Methods We established a rat model with left experimental VC and divided rats into the sham group, the VC group, and the surgical treatment group (each group, n = 10). Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and sperm quality were analysed to evaluate spermatogenesis function. LncRNA expression profiles were analysed using lncRNA‐Seq (each group n = 3) and validated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (each group n = 10). Correlation analysis and gene target miRNA prediction were used to construct competing endogenous RNA network. The regulated signalling pathway and spermatogenic dysfunction of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) were validated by Western blot. Results HE detection and sperm quality analysis showed that VC could induce spermatogenic dysfunction. Eight lncRNAs were upregulated and three lncRNAs were downregulated in the VC group compared with the sham group and surgical treatment group. The lncRNA of NONRATG002949.2 , NONRATG001060.2 , NONRATG013271.2 , NONRATG022879.2 , NONRATG023424.2 , NONRATG005667.2 and NONRATG010686.2 were significantly negatively related to sperm quality, while NONRATG027523.1 , NONRATG017183.2 and NONRATG023747.2 were positively related to sperm quality. The lncRNAs promote spermatogenic cell apoptosis and inhibit spermatogonia and spermatocyte proliferation and meiotic spermatocytes by regulating the PI3K–Akt signalling pathway. Conclusion DE lncRNAs may be potential biomarkers for predicting the risk of spermatogenic dysfunction in VC and the effect of surgical repair. These DE lncRNAs promote spermatogenic dysfunction by regulating the PI3K–Akt signalling pathway.