Global transcriptome reprogramming during spermatogenesis ensures timely expression of factors in each phase of male germ cell differentiation. Spermatocytes and spermatids require particularly extensive reprogramming of gene expression to switch from mitosis to meiosis and to support gamete morphogenesis. Here, we uncovered an extensive alternative splicing program during this transmeiotic differentiation. Notably, intron retention was largely the most enriched pattern, with spermatocytes showing generally higher levels of retention compared with spermatids. Retained introns are characterized by weak splice sites and are enriched in genes with strong relevance for gamete function. Meiotic intron-retaining transcripts (IRTs) were exclusively localized in the nucleus. However, differently from other developmentally regulated IRTs, they are stable RNAs, showing longer half-life than properly spliced transcripts. Strikingly, fate-mapping experiments revealed that IRTs are recruited onto polyribosomes days after synthesis. These studies reveal an unexpected function for regulated intron retention in modulation of the timely expression of select transcripts during spermatogenesis.

Naro, C., Jolly, A., Di Persio, S., Bielli, P., Setterblad, N., Alberdi, A.j., et al. (2017). An Orchestrated Intron Retention Program in Meiosis Controls Timely Usage of Transcripts during Germ Cell Differentiation. DEVELOPMENTAL CELL, 41(1), 82-93.e4 [10.1016/j.devcel.2017.03.003].

An Orchestrated Intron Retention Program in Meiosis Controls Timely Usage of Transcripts during Germ Cell Differentiation

Bielli P.;Geremia R.;Sette C.
2017-01-01

Abstract

Global transcriptome reprogramming during spermatogenesis ensures timely expression of factors in each phase of male germ cell differentiation. Spermatocytes and spermatids require particularly extensive reprogramming of gene expression to switch from mitosis to meiosis and to support gamete morphogenesis. Here, we uncovered an extensive alternative splicing program during this transmeiotic differentiation. Notably, intron retention was largely the most enriched pattern, with spermatocytes showing generally higher levels of retention compared with spermatids. Retained introns are characterized by weak splice sites and are enriched in genes with strong relevance for gamete function. Meiotic intron-retaining transcripts (IRTs) were exclusively localized in the nucleus. However, differently from other developmentally regulated IRTs, they are stable RNAs, showing longer half-life than properly spliced transcripts. Strikingly, fate-mapping experiments revealed that IRTs are recruited onto polyribosomes days after synthesis. These studies reveal an unexpected function for regulated intron retention in modulation of the timely expression of select transcripts during spermatogenesis.
2017
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore BIO/16 - ANATOMIA UMANA
English
alternative splicing; germ cell differentiation; intron retention; mRNA stability; spermatogenesis; transcriptome profiling; Alternative Splicing; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Nucleus; Gene Ontology; Introns; Male; Meiosis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; RNA Stability; RNA, Messenger; Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Transcription, Genetic; Transcriptome
Naro, C., Jolly, A., Di Persio, S., Bielli, P., Setterblad, N., Alberdi, A.j., et al. (2017). An Orchestrated Intron Retention Program in Meiosis Controls Timely Usage of Transcripts during Germ Cell Differentiation. DEVELOPMENTAL CELL, 41(1), 82-93.e4 [10.1016/j.devcel.2017.03.003].
Naro, C; Jolly, A; Di Persio, S; Bielli, P; Setterblad, N; Alberdi, Aj; Vicini, E; Geremia, R; De la Grange, P; Sette, C
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/231906
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