Abstract

RNA interference, a recently discovered new mechanism controlling gene expression via small RNAs, was shown to be involved in the characterization and control of basic ovarian cell functions. The main classes of small RNAs, as well as their expression in ovaries have been described. Furthermore, the successful application of RNA interference for the study and control of basic ovarian functions (fertility, proliferation, apoptosis, secretory activity, luteogenesis, oocyte maturation and related ovarian cell malignant transformation) and production of recombinant proteins has been demonstrated. Application of RNA interference in reproductive biology and medicine can be successful in three main areas - (1) characterization and prediction of physiological and pathological state (association between particular small RNA and physiological or pathological processes), (2) application of small RNAs for regulation of reproductive processes and (3) treatment of reproductive disorders or their particular indexes. Problems of improvement of small RNA delivery to target ovarian cells and potent RNA interference-related approaches for the treatment of ovarian disorders (especially of ovarian cancer) have been discussed.

Keywords: RNA interference, ovarian, fertility, proliferation, apoptosis, secretion, oocyte maturation, RNA delivery, cancer, luteogenesis