Construction and differential analysis of testicular atlas between 10-week-old and 23-week-old ducks using single-cell RNA sequencing.

ABSTRACT: While spermatogenesis has been extensively characterized in mammals, its molecular underpinnings in avian species remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of duck testes across developmental stages (10-week immature vs. 23-week mature). Our analysis generated a comprehensive cellular atlas comprising 54,702 cells, resolving eight germ cell clusters (three spermatogonia [SPG], three spermatocytes [SPC], two spermatozoa [SPT]) and nine somatic populations, including peritubular myoid cells, immune subsets (T cells, macrophages, granulocytes), endothelial cells, Leydig cells, and three Sertoli cell subtypes, each defined by unique marker gene signatures. Furthermore, novel marker genes were identified, including EXFABP for gra

SUBMITTER: Tao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12419092 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature