Transfer of MicroRNAs From Epididymal Epithelium to Equine Spermatozoa

All epididymal regions are lined with multiple epithelial cell types, each with different functions to provide the luminal environment for spermatozoal maturation. Epithelial cells also create apical blebs, which are released from the apical surface via apocrine secretion and disintegrate in the lum...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of equine veterinary science 2020-04, Vol.87, p.102841-102841, Article 102841
Main Authors: Twenter, Hannah, Klohonatz, Kristin, Davis, Kelli, Bass, Luke, Coleman, Stephen J., Bouma, Gerrit J., Bruemmer, Jason E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Epididymis
Epididymosome
Epithelium
Equine
Horses
Male
MicroRNAs - genetics
miRNA
Reproduction
Sperm Maturation
Spermatozoa
Stallion
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Summary:All epididymal regions are lined with multiple epithelial cell types, each with different functions to provide the luminal environment for spermatozoal maturation. Epithelial cells also create apical blebs, which are released from the apical surface via apocrine secretion and disintegrate in the lumen, thereby releasing epididymosomes. Epididymosomes transport proteins to spermatozoa and contain microRNAs. We hypothesized that epididymosomes also transfer miRNA from epididymal epithelium to spermatozoa. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine miRNA profiles of epididymal tissue from caput and cauda, epididymal spermatozoa from caput and cauda, and epididymosomes and from caput, proximal corpus, distal corpus, and cauda. Pathway analysis was performed using DIANA tools on the miRNA unique to caudal spermatozoa. We found 66 newly acquired miRNAs in spermatozoa located in the caudal epididymis. Predicted pathways targeted by these miRNAs suggest a role in cell motility and viability and factors in oocyte and embryo maturation and development. These findings suggest that miRNAs are transported to spermatozoa from epididymal epithelium via epididymosomes. •We demonstrate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed differentially based on location along the epididymis.•Furthermore, we demonstrate that the miRNA profile in sperm cells is altered as they traverse the epididymis.•Based on these data, we postulate that miRNAs are transferred from epididymal epithelium to spermatozoa via epididymosomes.•Furthermore, we have identified pathways potentially targeted by these miRNAs.
ISSN:0737-0806
1542-7412
DOI:10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102841