Highly conserved sperm function-related transcripts across three species: human, rat and mouse.

mRNA sequences were analyzed in mouse, rat and human sperm samples to identify sperm transcriptomic similarities across species that could be used as biomarkers to predict male reproductive toxicity in animal models. mRNA sequences were analyzed in mouse, rat and human sperm samples to identify sperm transcriptomic similarities across species that could be used as biomarkers to predict male reproductive toxicity in animal models. Semen specimens were collected from men aged 18 to 55 years with proven fertility. Rat and mouse semen specimens were collected via needle punctures of the cauda epididymides. Sperm RNAs were extracted using an optimized sperm RNA isolation protocol and subjected to polyA-purified mRNA-sequencing.