They are ubiquitous in the human body. Relatively stable, they have been shown to control gene expression and regulate a wide spectrum of processes, such as cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. MicroRNAs are gradually receiving increased research interest within the field of human reproduction as the need for non-invasive biomarkers rises in parallel.

Following the pioneer work of Victor Ambros and his colleagues in nematodes, almost 20 years ago, we have now reached a point where a wealth of information is available with regards to the role of miRNAs in critical reproductive functions, such as endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, as well as in spermatogenesis in men.

In 2020, Alessia Grasso and colleagues (doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgz146) have reported on endometrial liquid biopsy as a miRNA roadmap of the secretory phase of the human endometrium. Using NGS technology they described a consistent miRNA signature in the acquisition of endometrial receptivity.

More recently, W Zhang and colleagues (doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.020) published on miRNA expression profiles in the seminal plasma of non obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients with different histopathologic patterns. It seems that screening for miRNAs can provide a useful non-invasive biomarker and a surrogate for the success of sperm retrieval in patients with NOA.

As the field of transcriptomics is rapidly evolving we are observing many new candidates of gene regulation and protein expression in the form of microRNAs; these soon may provide the basis not only for diagnostic but for therapeutic purposes too.

©2021, Nicholas Christoforidis, Fertility Matters
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