Anjum Shabana, Khurshid Yamna, Du Plessis Stefan S, Omolaoye Temidayo S
College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Health, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jul 28;26(15):7305. doi: 10.3390/ijms26157305.
The epigenetic landscape plays a pivotal role in regulating the functions of both germ and somatic cells (Sertoli and Leydig cells) within the testis, which are essential for male fertility. While somatic cells support germ cell maturation and testosterone synthesis, the epigenetic regulation of germ cells is critical for proper spermatogenesis and function. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial for regulating gene expression that is essential for spermatogenesis and reproductive function. Although numerous studies have highlighted the significance of the epigenome and its implications for male reproductive health, a comprehensive overview of the existing literature and knowledge is lacking. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the role of epigenetics in spermatogenesis and reproductive health, with a specific focus on DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs). Additionally, we examine the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, smoking, physical activity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, on the sperm epigenome. We emphasize how these factors influence fertility, embryonic development, and potential transgenerational inheritance. This review underscores how recent advances in the understanding of the epigenetic modulation of testicular function can inform the pathophysiology of male infertility, thereby paving the way for the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
表观遗传格局在调节睾丸内生殖细胞和体细胞（支持细胞和间质细胞）的功能方面起着关键作用，而这些细胞对男性生育能力至关重要。虽然体细胞支持生殖细胞成熟和睾酮合成，但生殖细胞的表观遗传调控对于正常的精子发生和功能至关重要。DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰、染色质重塑和非编码RNA（ncRNA）等表观遗传修饰对于调节精子发生和生殖功能所必需的基因表达至关重要。尽管众多研究强调了表观基因组的重要性及其对男性生殖健康的影响，但仍缺乏对现有文献和知识的全面综述。本综述旨在深入分析表观遗传学在精子发生和生殖健康中的作用，特别关注DNA甲基化、组蛋白重塑和小非编码RNA（sncRNA）。此外，我们研究生活方式和环境因素，如饮食、吸烟、体育活动以及接触内分泌干扰化学物质，对精子表观基因组的影响。我们强调这些因素如何影响生育能力、胚胎发育以及潜在的跨代遗传。本综述强调了对睾丸功能表观遗传调控理解的最新进展如何为男性不育的病理生理学提供信息，从而为制定有针对性的诊断和治疗策略铺平道路。
