Deciphering extracellular microRNA communication system

核糖核酸（rna）存在于所有细胞中，作为基因和蛋白质之间的中间体和小的非编码rna。其中，microRNAs （miRNAs）控制靶基因的表达，调控细胞增殖、分化和死亡等多种功能。重要的是，mirna通过细胞外囊泡（EVs）从一个细胞转移到另一个细胞后参与细胞间通讯。然而，尽管它们在细胞间通讯中起着重要作用，但这种机制仍然知之甚少。我们的研究项目旨在揭示附睾中细胞外miRNA（前miRNA）信号的复杂性，附睾是男性生殖系统中负责精子成熟的器官。为了实现这一目标，我们将(i)探索ev中前mirna的合成和分泌途径，（ii）鉴定参与前mirna / ev信号传导的细胞参与者，以及（iii）鉴定附睾中由前mirna控制的靶基因和细胞功能。我们将与来自不同领域的专家合作，在不同的转基因小鼠模型上使用成像、分子生物学和体内方法。因此，我们的目标是解决前mirna分泌，运输和功能的基本生物学原理，并确定控制生殖生物学的关键分子事件，进而扩展到物种生存。

***Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) are present in all cells as intermediates between genes and proteins and as small non-coding RNAs. Among these latter, microRNAs (miRNAs) control target genes expression and regulate many functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Importantly, miRNAs are involved in intercellular communication after being transferred from one cell to another by extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, despite their important role in intercellular communication, this mechanism remains poorly understood. Our research program aims to unravel the complexity of extracellular miRNA (ex-miRNA) signaling in the epididymis, the organ of the male reproductive system responsible for sperm maturation. To achieve this goal, we will (i) explore the synthesis and secretion pathways of ex-miRNAs in EVs, (ii) identify the cellular players involved in the ex-miRNA/EVs signaling, and (iii) identify target genes and cellular functions controlled by ex-miRNAs in the epididymis. In collaboration with experts from different fields we will use imaging, molecular biology and in vivo approaches on different transgenic mouse models. Thus, we aim to address fundamental biological principles of ex-miRNAs secretion, transport and function, and to identify key molecular events governing reproductive biology and, by extension, species survival.