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10.4103/aja202641
RNA-binding proteins in spermatogenesis: functional mechanisms, clinical potential, and future perspectives
Deng-Jian-Yi Xu1,2,*
Bin Yang1,2,*
Wen-Chao Xu3
Nan Yang1,2
Sheng Xin1,2
Ji-Hong Liu1,2
De-Lin Ma4,
Xia-Ming Liu1,2,
1Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
2Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Urology, Wuhan 430000, China
3Department of Urology, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
4Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
Correspondence: Dr. XM Liu (xmliu77@hust.edu.cn) or Dr. DL Ma (maderine4@163.com)
Received: 26 August 2025; Accepted: 07 July 2026; published online: 23 October 2026
| Abstract |
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RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) govern RNA splicing, stability, translation, and localization through RNA-recognition motifs, K-homology domains, and related structures, orchestrating spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. We present the stage-specific roles of key RBPs, such as deleted in azoospermia protein/deleted in azoospermia-like protein (DAZ/DAZL), nanos C2HC-type zinc finger 2 (NANOS2), P-element-induced wimpy testis protein (PIWI) family members, and tudor domain-containing 6 (TDRD6), and illustrate their molecular mechanisms in SSC maintenance, meiotic progression, and sperm morphogenesis. The review assesses RBP expression and modifications as diagnostic biomarkers for male infertility, evaluates RBP-targeted therapies, and notes translational obstacles. Emerging interdisciplinary approaches promise to decode spatiotemporal RBP networks and advance precision diagnosis and treatment of male reproductive disorders.
Keywords: infertility; male; meiosis; RNA-binding proteins; spermatogenesis
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