Small RNA regulation of reproductive function

Post‐transcriptional gene regulation is one mechanism that occurs “above the genome,” allowing the cells of an organism to have dramatically different phenotypes and functions. Non‐coding ribonucleic acid (ncRNA) molecules regulate transcript and protein abundance above the level of transcription, and appear to play substantial roles in regulation of reproductive tissues. Three primary classes of small ncRNA are microRNA (miRNA), endogenous small interfering RNA (endo‐siRNA), and PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA). These RNA classes have similarities and clear distinctions between their biogenesis and in the interacting protein machinery that facilitate their effects on cellular phenotype. Characterization of the expression and importance of the critical components for the biogenesis of each class in different tissues is continuously contributing a better understanding of each of these RNA classes in different reproductive cell types. Here, we discuss the expression and potential roles of miRNA, endo‐siRNA, and piRNA in reproduction from germ‐cell development to pregnancy establishment and placental function. Additionally, the potential contribution of RNA binding proteins, long ncRNAs, and the more recently discovered circular RNAs (circRNAs) in relation to small RNA function is discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 148–159, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.