Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers abnormal Sertoli-cell elevation and testicular niche impairment in the transfemales's testis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transgender women (transfemales) often undergo gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). However, the testicular impacts of feminising hormones present heterogeneity due to the complexity of testicular regulatory mechanisms.

Method

In this study, we analyzed approximately 49,385 single-cell transcriptomes from transfemale human testicular tissue, comparing cellular composition with that of cisgender male individuals across a range of ages. Our approach included clustering of cell types, identification of marker genes, pseudotime analysis of germ cells, and comprehensive cell-cell interaction analyses. We employed immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunostaining to validate the key molecular signatures identified in the pathways of interest.

R

SUBMITTER: Yu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12276673 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature