Simultaneously profiling of mRNA and miRNA in epididymitis

Chronic epididymitis (CE) refers to a long-lasting inflammatory condition of the epididymis, which is considered the most common site of intrascrotal inflammation and an important aetiological factor of male infertility. Recent studies demonstrate that small RNAs secreted from epididymal epithelium modulate embryo development and offspring phenotypes via sperm transmission, and the resulting modifications may lead to transgenerational inheritance. However, to date, the genome-wide analysis of small RNA together with the transcriptomic expression profiles of human epididymis and CE is still lacking. In this study, we collect inflamated epdidymis from patients as well as control sample. By simultaneous mRNA and small RNA suquencing, we identified segment-specific inflammation signitures including leukocyte chemotaxis, ion channel and transporter-related processes. We also compare the miRNA, tsRNA, and other small RNA distribution in CE. Together, Interative analysis of miRNA and mRNA identified strong candidate epigenitic cycle in CE. Overall design: Two group of samples, with 5 biological replicates within each group and total of 6 samples were analyzed