Unraveling the epigenetic landscape: m6A modifications in spermatogenesis and their implications for azoospermia

• DOI: 10.1007/s44337-025-00199-8
• Publication Date: 2025-02-03T15:16:03Z
• Authors: Meng Dong; Jinyue Rong; Xue Zhang; Shuyi Jiang; Jichun Tan

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modifications have emerged as crucial epigenetic regulators in various biological processes, including spermatogenesis. This review aims to elucidate the role of m6A spermatogenesis and their implications for male infertility, particularly non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We conducted a comprehensive recent studies focusing on methyltransferases, demethylases, reader proteins involved Our analysis reveals that play vital regulating mRNA stability, translation efficiency, splicing, RNA–protein interactions during Key such METTL3, METTL14, ALKBH5, YTHDF are critical proper spermatogenic function. Abnormalities these regulators, due genetic mutations, expression dysregulation, or environmental factors, linked impaired NOA. Studies also indicate significant dysregulation m6A-related genes NOA patients, suggesting potential diagnostic therapeutic target infertility. integral regulation fertility. Further research is needed fully understand mechanisms by which influence explore interventions. highlights importance reproductive health underscores need continued investigation this emerging field.