The role of Sertoli cell-derived miR-143-3p in male fertility declines with age.

ABSTRACT: 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 testosteron

SUBMITTER: Liang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11617286 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature