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Single-cell transcriptome profiling implicates the psychological stress-induced disruption of spermatogenesis
Rufeng Li1, Yuefeng Du2, Kang Li1
1Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, P.R. China.
Molecular Therapy. Nucleic Acids
|March 5, 2024
Summary
Psychological stress impairs male fertility by disrupting sperm production and altering testicular cell interactions. This study reveals stress-induced oxidative damage and impacts key genes, offering insights into male infertility mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Male infertility is a growing global concern, with psychological stress implicated as a contributing factor.
- The precise cellular and molecular pathways through which stress affects male reproductive function are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying psychological stress-induced male infertility.
- To identify specific alterations in testicular cells and gene expression profiles due to psychological stress.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of psychological stress was established using terrified-sound exposure.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing was employed to analyze testicular cells from stressed and control rats.
- Comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on 11,744 testicular cells.
Main Results:
- Psychological stress delayed spermatogenesis at the spermatogonia and pachytene stages, reducing sperm production.
- Stress altered germ cell interactions and downregulated anti-oxidation genes while upregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating genes.
- Elevated ROS levels impacted ATF2 and STAR gene expression, leading to apoptosis and inhibited testosterone synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Psychological stress disrupts spermatogenesis through oxidative stress and altered gene expression, contributing to male infertility.
- The findings provide insights into the mechanisms of stress-induced male infertility and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
