JOURNAL ARTICLE
Sperm carry unexpected genetic messages: Maturing mouse sperm get loaded with full-length messenger RNAs that are transferred to fertilized egg, suggesting a new route for paternal influence.
Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3
Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: Szalinski, Christina 3 of 3
Abstract
This article focuses on a study revealing that maturing mouse sperm acquire full-length messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during their passage through the epididymis, which are then transferred to fertilized eggs and may influence embryonic development. The research shows that epididymosomes—vesicles in the epididymis—deliver these mRNAs to sperm, and some sperm-derived mRNAs appear in zygotes but not in unfertilized eggs, suggesting paternal RNA contribution to embryos. Experiments injecting long RNAs into parthenotes indicated that sperm RNAs can alter embryonic gene expression, although the exact functional impact remains to be fully demonstrated. Similar mRNAs were also found in human sperm, implying this mechanism might extend beyond mice. [Extracted from the article]
Additional Information
- Source:Sciencemag.org. 2026/04, pN.PAG
- Document Type:Article
- Subject Area:Zoology
- Publication Date:2026
- Accession Number:193254354
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