The role of small RNAs in testicular function and reproductive endocrinology - EDMARC

We have recently shown that a group of germ cell-specific small non-coding RNAs, the piRNAs, are essential for spermatogenesis in men, but the intimate relationship between piRNA expression, testicular function and reproductive endocrinology remains unclear.

In this project, we aim to describe the expression of key piRNA proteins in testicular tissue from men with various testicular pathologies and use small RNA sequencing to investigate small RNA profiles of infertile men, men receiving hormones and men where the testes have been removed. The biobanks of Department of growth and Reproduction is used as a basis for the project. To provide bioinformatic power and support, we in this project collaborate with Mikkel Heide Schierup from the Bioinformatics Research Centre at Aarhus University.