MicroRNA profiling in male rat germ cells after chronic cyclophosphamide treatment

ABSTRACT: Although numerous miRNAs have been identified in the testis, their roles in regulating the highly specific events that occur in the different germ cell types throughout spermatogenesis remain largely unknown. Furthermore, whether male germ cell miRNA expression is altered in response to or as a consequence of exposure to a toxic agent is unknown. Here we examine miRNA expression profiles in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids obtained from control rats and from rats treated with a chronic low dose of cyclophosphamide, a male germ cell toxicant. We observed that pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids display vastly different miRNA expression profiles, reflecting their different developmental stages and possibly influencing the cellular response to toxic insult. Chronic low dose cyclophosphamide treatment altered the miRNA profiles in both pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Target prediction analyses revealed that miRNAs altered by cyclophosphamide treatment may be involved in the response to cellular stress and damage. However, many are also involved in processes that are crucial for proper germ cell development. This study suggests that pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids display distinct miRNA profiles that can be altered by cyclophosphamide treatment. The observed changes may be part of a response and repair mechanism to cyclophosphamide-induced damage or a dysregulation that disrupts normal germ cell development.

ORGANISM(S): Rattus norvegicus

PROVIDER: GSE119473 | GEO | 2018/09/05

REPOSITORIES: GEO