Paternal Exercise Influences Offspring Health via Sperm MicroRNAs

A groundbreaking study published in Cell Metabolism has uncovered that sperm microRNAs serve as crucial carriers of epigenetic information, facilitating the transmission of exercise-induced health benefits from fathers to their children. Led by researchers from Nanjing University and Nanjing Medical University, the investigation reveals that paternal physical activity can positively impact offspring endurance and metabolic health. The study demonstrated that offspring of exercised fathers exhibit enhanced physical performance and improved metabolic profiles compared to those from sedentary counterparts.

Remarkably, when sperm small RNAs from exercised males were injected into fertilized eggs, the resulting offspring displayed traits similar to those of trained fathers, indicating a direct causal relationship. The mechanism involves remodeling of sperm microRNA profiles, which suppresses the nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) in early embryos. This suppression reprograms embryonic gene expression, favoring mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism—a pathway crucial for endurance and metabolic regulation.

This research expands our understanding of microRNAs as mediators of intergenerational communication, showing that life experiences and environmental factors can influence genetic regulation across generations. The findings underscore the importance of paternal fitness before conception, suggesting that regular exercise may be a practical strategy to improve the health and resilience of future generations.

Overall, this study highlights the significance of sperm microRNAs and embryonic gene regulation in transmitting beneficial traits, opening new avenues for targeted interventions to combat metabolic diseases and promote intergenerational health. It also emphasizes the broader biological role of microRNAs in mediating connectivity across cell types, tissues, and even generations.