Liang Jinlian, Mei Jiaxin, Chen Derong, Xiao Ziyan, Hu Meirong, Wei Siying, Wang Zhaoyang, Huang Rufei, Li Lu, Ye Tao, Deng Jingxian, Liu Yuan, Wang Yuxin, Zhang Lei, Yang Yan, Huang Yadong
Department of Cell Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Department of Pharmacology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Mol Ther Nucleic Acids. 2024 Oct 28;35(4):102369. doi: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102369. eCollection 2024 Dec 10.
As delayed parenthood becomes more prevalent, understanding age-related testosterone decline and its impact on male fertility has gained importance. However, molecular mechanisms concerning testicular aging remain largely undiscovered. Our study highlights that miR-143-3p, present in aging Sertoli cells (SCs), is loaded into extracellular vesicles (EVs), affecting Leydig cells (LCs) and germ cells, thus disrupting testicular tissue homeostasis and spermatogenesis. Intriguingly, in SCs, transforming growth factor-β signaling promotes miR-143 precursors transcription, increasing mature miR-143-3p levels. This inhibits Smurf2, activating Smad2, and further enhancing miR-143-3p accumulation. EVs transporting miR-143-3p, originating from SCs, contribute to the age-related decline of testosterone and male fertility by targeting the luteinizing hormone receptor and retinoic acid receptor. Diminishing endogenous miR-143-3p in SCs postpones testis aging, preserving and prolonging male fertility. Thus, our study identified miR-143-3p as a key regulator of testicular function and fertility, revealing miR-143-3p as a potential therapeutic target for male abnormal sexual and reproductive function.
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