MicroRNA-10b regulates the renewal of spermatogonial stem cells through Kruppel-like factor 4.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are functionally important in spermatogenesis, which is the self-renewal or differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here, we report a novel role for miR-10b in regulating the self-renewal of mouse SSCs. We showed that miR-10b was highly expressed in mouse SSCs in vitro and enhanced SSC proliferation. Knockdown of miR-10b significantly increased the apoptosis of SSCs compared with controls. Kruppel-like factor 4 was found to be a target gene of miR-10b in the enhancement of SSC proliferation. These findings further our understanding of the self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs and provide a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of male infertility.