The mechanism of miRNA-mediated PGR signaling pathway in regulating female reproduction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in several physiological processes as important post-transcriptional regulators. Progesterone (P4), an important steroid hormone, produces physiological effect through binding specific receptor progesterone receptors (PGR) which regulates functions of both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues as a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. P4/PGR and miRNAs could regulate female reproduction independently, however, it is still unclear how miRNAs and P4/PGR interaction regulates female reproductive activities such as ovulation in female reproduction. In this review, we summarize the possible ways in which miRNAs regulate P4 production and PGR gene expression as well as P4/PGR regulate miRNAs expression, which provide a theoretical basis for further studying the role of miRNAs and P4/PGR in female reproduction.