Exposure to elevated temperature affects the expression of PIWI‐interacting RNAs and associated transcripts in mouse testes

Abstract

Background: Exposure to heat waves could result in adverse effects on human health, especially in male testicles. PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) is a novel type of small non-coding RNA, which can notably impact mRNA turnover and preserve germline maintenance in germline cells. However, piRNA's expression status when adapting to testicular heat stress remains largely unclear. Objectives:To investigate the function and mechanisms of relevant piRNAs during testicular heat stress. Materials and methods:In this study, a mouse testicular heat stress model was constructed, and the testes were removed for piRNA-sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to discover the differential expressed piRNAs, piRNA clusters, and enriched pathways. A cell heat stress model was constructed to validate the top five upregulated piRNAs. Proliferation and apoptosis assays were utilized to validate the function of selected piRNA. Bioinformatics prediction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to illustrate the downstream mechanisms.Results: Through the bioinformatics analysis, we identified the differential expression profile and enriched pathways of piRNAs and piRNA clusters during testicular hyperthermia. Besides, piR-020492 was proved to be upregulated in heat stress mouse testes and a germ cell model. A series of in vitro assays illustrated that an overexpression of piR-020492 could restrain the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of mouse germ cells. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of piRNAgenerating genes in the testicular heat stress model and piR-020492 targeting genes showed that the overlap pathways are adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin pathways. Validation experiments demonstrated that Wenbin Chen and Zhang Zhao contribute equally.

A dataset of hidden small non-coding RNA in the testis of heat-stressed models revealed by Pandora-seq

“…Typically, exposure to hot water for over 30 minutes per day can lead to specific damage in the anatomical morphology and sperm quality of the male testis within a week 22 . Previous studies predominantly delved into specific types of sncRNAs, such as microRNA 23 or piRNA 24 , to understand testicular damage induced by heat stress. However, the dynamic alterations within the intricate regulatory network of sncRNAs in the testis under heat stress remain unexplored.…”

Small RNAs in andrology: Small messengers with large perspectives

“…In this special issue, we learn about the likely involvement of ADAD2, 33 as well as EXD1 and EXD2 34 in the piRNA biogenesis, and how some piRNAs may change due to heat stress. 35 Finally, we learn that piRNAs seem dysregulated in germ cell tumors, 36 and how piRNAs, as well as other sncRNAs, found in seminal plasma may be used to describe changes in the microbiome when a germ cell tumor develops. 37 Studies in animals have indicated that the sncRNA profile of spermatozoa changes from the caput to the cauda of the epididymis.…”