tRNAGlu-CTC-1-1-derived small RNAs inhibit the proliferation of immature porcine Sertoli cells.

Sertoli cells, as somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules of the testis, create a specific environment ensuring the smooth progression of spermatogenesis. Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are present in various cell types and able to regulate RNA stability, translation, stress response and cell proliferation. However, the roles of specific tsRNAs in Sertoli cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, by using pigs as a research model, we explored the expression characteristics and functions of tsRNAs in porcine Sertoli cells. Analysis indicated that tsRNAs in Sertoli cells ranged in length from 31 to 35 nt and were mainly derived from cleavage of tRNAs at the 5' end. We further identified thirteen tsRNA families were highly enriched in the mature Sertoli cells. Among them, tRNAGlu-CTC-1-1-derived tsRNAs showed increased abundance during Sertoli cell maturation. Specifically, tRNAGlu-CTC-1-1-derived tsRNAs were demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation of immature Sertoli cells through targeting CDK1. This study confirms that tsRNAs present in Sertoli cells play significant roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, and provides a new perspective for the regulation of Sertoli cell function.