MicroRNAs in seminal plasma are able to discern infertile men at increased risk of developing testicular cancer.

Male infertility is a risk factor for the development of testicular germ cell tumors. In this study, we investigated microRNA profiles in seminal plasma to identify potential noninvasive biomarkers able to discriminate the men at highest risk of developing cancer among the infertile population. We compared the microRNA profiles of individuals affected by testicular germ cell tumors and healthy individuals with normal or impaired spermiograms using high-throughput technology and confirmed the results by single-assay digital PCR.

How do bacteria tune transcription termination efficiency?

Bacterial operons often contain intergenic transcription terminators that terminate some, but not all, RNA polymerase molecules. In these operons, the level of terminator readthrough determines downstream gene expression and helps establish protein ratios among co-regulated genes. Despite its critical role in maintaining stoichiometric gene expression, terminator strength remains difficult to predict from DNA sequence.

Building a Human Ovarian Antioxidant ceRNA Network "OvAnOx": A Bioinformatic Perspective for Research on Redox-Related Ovarian Functions and Dysfunctions.

The ovary is a major determinant of female reproductive health. Ovarian functions are mainly related to the primordial follicle pool, which is gradually lost with aging. Ovarian aging and reproductive dysfunctions share oxidative stress as a common underlying mechanism.

From Germ Cells to Implantation: The Role of Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles represent a large heterogeneous class of near and long-distance intercellular communication mediators, released by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Specifically, the scientific community has shown growing interest in exosomes, which are nano-sized vesicles with an endosomal origin. Not so long ago, the physiological goal of exosome generation was largely unknown and required more investigation; at first, it was hypothesized that exosomes are able to remove excess, reject and unnecessary constituents from cells to preserve cellular homeostasis.