Transcriptome Analysis in High Temperature Inhibiting Spermatogonial Stem Cell Differentiation In Vitro.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Environmental Toxicology

Background:

• High temperatures are a known factor in male infertility, affecting sperm and Sertoli cells.
• The impact of heat stress on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), crucial for spermatogenesis, remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of heat stress on SSC differentiation using an in vitro model.
• To identify key genes and molecular pathways involved in heat-induced inhibition of SSC differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an in vitro SSC differentiation model.
• Applied heat stress treatments at 37°C and 43°C.
• Employed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) for transcriptome analysis and KEGG pathway analysis.

Main Results:

• Heat stress (37°C or 43°C for 30 min/day for 2 days) significantly inhibited SSC differentiation.
• Down-regulation of key differentiation genes (c-kit, stra8, Rec8, Sycp3, Ovol1) observed after heat stress.
• RNA-seq identified thousands of differentially expressed genes and highlighted enrichment of p53, ribosome, and carbon metabolism pathways.

Conclusions:

• A temperature of 37°C significantly inhibits SSC differentiation.
• The p53, ribosome, and carbon metabolism signaling pathways are implicated in heat-induced SSC differentiation inhibition.
• Findings provide a basis for understanding high temperature's role in male infertility mechanisms.