Investigation of the lncRNA THOR in Mice Highlights the Importance of Noncoding RNAs in Mammalian Male Reproduction.

ABSTRACT: THOR is a highly conserved testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). The interaction between THOR and the development of the male reproductive system remains unclear. Herein, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to establish a stable THOR-deficient mouse model, and the relationship between THOR and the fertility of adult male mice was investigated. The male mice in which THOR was deleted were smaller than the WT male mice. Moreover, their survival rate was reduced by 60%, their fertility was reduced by 50%, their testicular size and sperm motility were reduced by 50%, their testicular cell apoptosis was increased by 7-fold, and their ratio of female-to-male offspring was imbalanced (approximately 1:3). Furthermore, to elucidate the mechanisms of male reproductive system development, the mRNA

SUBMITTER: Zhou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8389704 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature