METTL3 regulates Leydig cell proliferation via miR-145-PCK1 mediated gluconeogenesis in goats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Normal testicular development is essential for maintaining male fertility and reproductive performance in livestock. Leydig cells (LCs) play a central role in testicular physiology; however, the epigenetic mechanisms regulating their development remain largely unclear. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a key m⁶A methylation enzyme, and microRNAs are increasingly recognised as critical regulators of this process.

Results

METTL3 expression in goat LCs markedly decreased during testicular development. This downregulation reduced m⁶A modification on pri-miR-145, impairing DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8-mediated processing and resulting in decreased levels of mature miR-145-3p. This reduction in miR-145-3p increased the expression of phospho

SUBMITTER: Tang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811904 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature