Open AccessMicro RNA ‐224 regulates self‐renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem cells via targeting DMRT 1
Author(s) -
Cui Na,
Hao Guimin,
Zhao Zhiming,
Wang Feng,
Cao Jinfeng,
Yang Aimin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.12838
Subject(s) - rna , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell , biology , rna binding protein , genetics , gene
Micro RNA s (miRs) play a key role in the control of gene expression in a wide array of tissue systems, where their functions include the regulation of self‐renewal, cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. However, the function and mechanisms of individual miRs in regulating spermatogonial stem cell ( SSC ) homeostasis remain unclear. In the present study, we report for the first time that miR‐224 is highly expressed in mouse SSC s. Functional assays using mi RNA mimics and inhibitors reveal that miR‐224 is essential for differentiation of SSC s. Mechanistically, miR‐224 promotes differentiation of SSC s via targeting doublesex and Mab‐3‐related transcription factor 1 ( DMRT 1). Moreover, WNT /β‐catenin signalling pathway is involved in miR‐224‐mediated regulation of SSC s self‐renewal. We further demonstrate that miR‐224 overexpression increases the expression of GFR α1 and PLZF , accompanied by the down‐regulation of DMRT 1 in mouse testes. Our findings provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms regulating differentiation of SSC s and may have important implications for regulating male reproduction.