Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 10;25(22):12074. doi: 10.3390/ijms252212074.
Spermatogenesis is a highly coordinated process that requires the precise expression of specific subsets of genes in different types of germ cells, controlled both temporally and spatially. Among these genes, those that can exert an indispensable influence in spermatogenesis via participating in alternative splicing make up the overwhelming majority. mRNA alternative-splicing (AS) events can generate various isoforms with distinct functions from a single DNA sequence, based on specific AS codes. In addition to enhancing the finite diversity of the genome, AS can also regulate the transcription and translation of certain genes by directly binding to their cis-elements or by recruiting trans-elements that interact with consensus motifs. The testis, being one of the most complex tissue transcriptomes, undergoes unparalleled transcriptional and translational activity, supporting the dramatic and dynamic transitions that occur during spermatogenesis. Consequently, AS plays a vital role in producing an extensive array of transcripts and coordinating significant changes throughout this process. In this review, we summarize the intricate functional network of alternative splicing in spermatogenesis based on the integration of current research findings.
精子发生是一个高度协调的过程，需要在不同类型的生殖细胞中精确表达特定子集的基因，这些基因的表达受到时空的严格控制。在这些基因中，通过参与可变剪接对精子发生发挥不可或缺影响的基因占绝大多数。mRNA 可变剪接（AS）事件可以根据特定的 AS 编码从单个 DNA 序列产生具有不同功能的各种异构体。除了增强基因组的有限多样性外，AS 还可以通过直接结合其顺式元件或招募与共识基序相互作用的反式元件，来调节某些基因的转录和翻译。睾丸是最复杂的组织转录组之一，经历着无与伦比的转录和翻译活性，支持精子发生过程中发生的巨大而动态的转变。因此，AS 在产生广泛的转录本和协调整个过程中的重大变化方面发挥着至关重要的作用。在这篇综述中，我们根据当前研究结果的综合，总结了精子发生中可变剪接的复杂功能网络。
