Exploring Non-coding RNAs: Insights into Male Infertility

A special issue of Non-Coding RNA (ISSN 2311-553X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2024) | Viewed by 1852

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41221 Larissa, Greece
Interests: male infertility; animal genomics; evolution; genetics; non-coding RNAs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Male infertility, a health condition affecting a significant proportion of the global population, has been a subject of extensive research, yet many aspects of its molecular underpinnings remain elusive. Recent studies have unveiled the remarkable regulatory functions of noncoding RNAs, which were once considered as mere bystanders in cellular processes. These ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have emerged as crucial orchestrators of gene expression, epigenetic modifications, and intricate signaling networks within the male reproductive system.

Our Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for scientists, clinicians, and experts in the field of reproductive biology to share their latest findings, innovative methodologies, and compelling insights into the role of ncRNAs in male infertility. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and cutting-edge perspectives that explore various facets of this dynamic relationship. Contributions may delve into the identification of specific ncRNAs implicated in male infertility, the elucidation of their mechanisms of action, and the exploration of their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

By assembling a collection of diverse and high-quality contributions, we endeavor to foster a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to male infertility and to uncover novel avenues for its diagnosis and treatment. This Special Issue encourages collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of interdisciplinary approaches, bridging the gap between molecular biology, genetics, and clinical practice. We invite researchers from around the globe to submit their valuable contributions to this Special Issue, helping to unravel the intricate web of ncRNA-mediated regulation in male infertility.

We eagerly await your submissions and look forward to the collective insights that will enrich our understanding of this crucial area of research.

Prof. Dr. Zissis Mamuris
Guest Editor

Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • male infertility
  • spermatogenesis
  • semen analysis
  • biomarkers
  • lncRNAs
  • miRNAs
  • circRNAs

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

23 pages, 1698 KiB  
Article
Integrative Analysis of Whole-Genome and Transcriptomic Data Reveals Novel Variants in Differentially Expressed Long Noncoding RNAs Associated with Asthenozoospermia
by Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini, Maria Katsigianni, Themistoklis Giannoulis, Theologia Sarafidou, Alexia Chatziparasidou and Zissis Mamuris
Non-Coding RNA 2025, 11(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/ncrna11010004 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1061
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Asthenozoospermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility. Emerging evidence suggests that noncoding RNAs, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a critical role in the regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm function. Coding regions have a well-characterized [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Asthenozoospermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility. Emerging evidence suggests that noncoding RNAs, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a critical role in the regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm function. Coding regions have a well-characterized role and established predictive value in asthenozoospermia. However, this study was designed to complement previous findings and provide a more holistic understanding of asthenozoospermia, this time focusing on noncoding regions. This study aimed to identify and prioritize variants in differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs found exclusively in asthenozoospermic men, focusing on their impact on lncRNA structure and lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA interactions. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on samples from asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic men. Additionally, an RNA-seq dataset from normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic individuals was analyzed to identify DE lncRNAs. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to map unique variants on DE lncRNAs, followed by prioritization based on predicted functional impact. The structural impact of the variants and their effects on lncRNA–miRNA interactions were assessed using computational tools. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were employed to investigate the affected biological processes and pathways. Results: We identified 4173 unique variants mapped to 258 DE lncRNAs. After prioritization, 5 unique variants in 5 lncRNAs were found to affect lncRNA structure, while 20 variants in 17 lncRNAs were predicted to disrupt miRNA–lncRNA interactions. Enriched pathways included Wnt signaling, phosphatase binding, and cell proliferation, all previously implicated in reproductive health. Conclusions: This study identifies specific variants in DE lncRNAs that may play a role in asthenozoospermia. Given the limited research utilizing WGS to explore the role of noncoding RNAs in male infertility, our findings provide valuable insights and a foundation for future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Non-coding RNAs: Insights into Male Infertility)
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