Assessment of microRNA expression in mouse epididymal epithelial cells and spermatozoa by next generation sequencing.

ABSTRACT: The mammalian epididymis is a highly specialized region of the male reproductive tract that is lined with a continuous layer of epithelial cells that display a remarkable level of regionalized secretory and absorptive activity. The luminal environment created by this combined secretory and absorptive activity is directly responsible for promoting the functional maturation of spermatozoa and their maintenance in a quiescent and viable state prior to ejaculation. This study was designed to identify the complement of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are expressed within the mouse epididymal epithelial cells and the maturing populations of spermatozoa. Through the use of Next Generation Sequencing technology we have demonstrated that both epididymal epithelial cells and spermatozoa harbour a complex re

SUBMITTER: Anderson AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4664737 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature