A testis-specific long non-coding RNA, 1700052I22Rik, regulates spermatid chromatin condensation in mice.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), serving as diverse functional regulators, are abundantly expressed in the testis. However, many testis-specific or preferentially expressed lncRNAs remain uncharacterized. Here, we report a testis-specific lncRNA, 1700052I22Rik, which exhibits a dynamic expression pattern during spermatogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that knockout of 1700052I22Rik in mice leads to reduced sperm counts and subfertility in males, as well as defective spermatid chromatin condensation. We further elucidate the underlying mechanism by which 1700052I22Rik modulates the translation of protamine 1 (PRM1) through interaction with Y-box binding protein 2 (YBX2). Collectively, our results uncover a crucial role for the testis-specific lncRNA 1700052I22Rik in regulating spermatid chromatin condensation in mice, providing novel insights into the functions of lncRNAs in spermatogenesis and potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.