DICER1 regulates antibacterial function of epididymis by modulating transcription of β-defensins

DICER1 is a key enzyme responsible for the maturation of microRNAs. Recent evidences suggested that DICER1 and microRNAs expressed in epididymis were involved in the control of male fertility. However, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we created a mouse line by targeted disruption of Dicer1 gene in the principal cells of distal caput epididymis. Our data indicated that a set of β-defensin genes were downregulated by DICER1 rather than by microRNAs. Moreover, DICER1 was significantly enriched in the promoter of β-defensin gene and controlled transcription. Besides, the antibacterial ability of the adult epididymis significantly declined upon Dicer1 deletion both in vitro and in vivo. And a higher incidence of reproductive defect was observed in middle-aged Dicer1(−/−) males. These results suggest that DICER1 plays an important role in transcription of β-defensin genes, which are associated with the natural antibacterial properties in a microRNA-independent manner, and further impacts the male fertility.