Project description:We report bulk RNA-sequencing for synchronized adult Sertoli cells in germ cell-sufficient (RFPxAMH-Cre) and germ cell-deficient (NANOS2 KO) mice. We also have single-cell RNA-sequencing data for RFPxAMH-Cre sorted Sertoli cells from unsynchronized adult testes (not included in this series).
Project description:Sertoli cells are a critical component of the testis environment for their role in maintaining seminiferous tubule structure, establishing the blood-testis barrier, and nourishing maturing germ cells in a specialized niche. This study sought to uncover how Sertoli cells are regulated in the testis environment via germ cell crosstalk in the mouse. We found two major clusters of Sertoli cells as defined by their transcriptomes in Stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelium and a cluster for all other stages. Additionally, we examined transcriptomes of germ cell-deficient testes and found that these existed in a state independent of either of the germ cell-sufficient clusters. Altogether, we highlight two main transcriptional states of Sertoli cells in an unperturbed testis environment, and a germ cell-deficient environment does not allow normal Sertoli cell transcriptome cycling and results in a state unique from either of those seen in Sertoli cells from a germ cell-sufficient environment.
Project description:Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a highly heterogeneous and complex disease. However, there is lack of the research on latent biological mechanisms. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (scATAC-seq) on patients with obstructive azoospermia and NOA. Our study identified 12 germ cell subtypes and 8 sertoli cell subtypes. Further analysis identified several stage-specific marker genes of germ cells, such as ID4, TEX19, SCML1, and DMC1 and identified several stage-specific marker genes of sertoli cells, such as SOX2, BEND2, MLC1, PGAM2, and CFH. Furthermore, Notch1/2/3 signaling and integrin were involved in the interaction between germ cells and sertoli cells. Overall, we mapped the scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq of human spermatogenesis, and analyzed germ cell and somatic cell types and their key molecular markers. It gives us a comprehensive insight in spermatogenesis and provide a fresh perspective on diagnosis and treatment for NOA.
Project description:Infertility observed in adult Sertoli cell (SC)-specific Connexin 43 Knockout-mice rather seems to be an effect of the disturbed SC-Germ cell (GC) crosstalk than a direct consequence of the loss of Cx43 protein in SC with important GC specific genes being mostly affected by this deletion.
Project description:Infertility observed in adult Sertoli cell (SC)-specific Connexin 43 Knockout-mice rather seems to be an effect of the disturbed SC-Germ cell (GC) crosstalk than a direct consequence of the loss of Cx43 protein in SC with important GC specific genes being mostly affected by this deletion. Identification of differentially expressed genes in testis of cx43 KO-mice at developmental stage 8 days post partum when compared with testis of WT-mice