Deciphering the gonadal cell atlas of Monopterus albus and cell fate during sex reversal based on single-cell RNA sequencing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Monopterus albus serves as a unique model for studying sex reversal, transitioning naturally from female to male. However, the origins of male germline stem cells (GSCs) and the roles of somatic cells during sex reversal remain poorly understood.

Methods

We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on ovarian, ovotestis, and testicular tissues to construct a gonadal cell atlas. RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) validated cell subpopulations.

Results

Cell types of germ cells and somatic cells in gonads were identified, and their differentiation trajectories during sex reversal were depicted. Our results show that GSCs^wdr17+tep1- in the ovaries possess bipotential differentiation capacity and can transform into GSCs^w

SUBMITTER: Yi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821253 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature