High throughput small RNA and transcriptome sequencing reveal capacitation-related microRNAs and mRNA in boar sperm

Capacitation, a prerequisite for oocyte fertilization, is a complex process involving series of structural and functional changes in sperms such as membrane modifications, modulation of enzyme activities, and protein phosphorylation. In order to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte, mammalian sperms must undergo capacitation. Nevertheless, the process of sperm capacitation remains poorly understood and requires further elucidation. In the current study, via high throughput sequencing, we identified and explored the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs involved in boar sperm capacitation.