Small noncoding RNAs and male infertility

Small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a novel class of gene regulators that modulate gene expression at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels, and they play crucial roles in almost all cellular processes in eukaryotes. Recent studies have indicated that several types of small noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), endo-small interference RNAs (endo-siRNAs), and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), are expressed in the male germline and are required for spermatogenesis in animals. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge of these small noncoding RNAs in male germ cells and their biological functions and mechanisms of action in animal spermatogenesis.