Mitochondrial Metabolism Governs Spermatogonial Stem Cell Fate Decisions

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) sustain lifelong spermatogenesis through their unique capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. While transcriptomic regulation has long been emphasized, recent advances in multi-omics have highlighted mitochondrial metabolism as a pivotal regulator of SSC fate.

This review aims to summarize current advances in how mitochondrial metabolism regulates SSC fate decisions and to explore its pathological alterations and potential therapeutic targets in obesity-associated male infertility.

This review delves deeper into the core mechanisms by which mitochondria govern SSC fate decisions, integrating findings from multi-omics, metabolic assays, and animal models. We also provide a comprehensive overview of published literature on mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity-related infertility.

Quiescent SSCs predominantly rely on glycolysis within a hypoxic niche, whereas differentiation is accompanied by a metabolic shift toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), alongside mitochondrial maturation and remodeling. Beyond energy production, mitochondria function as critical signaling hubs that integrate redox regulation, mitochondrial dynamics, and metabolite-dependent epigenetic mechanisms to dictate SSC fate. Conversely, in the context of obesity, mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial fragmentation, and impaired quality control, severely disrupts SSC homeostasis and drives male infertility. Maintaining mitochondrial metabolic integrity is essential for normal SSC function. Targeting mitochondrial quality control and restoring metabolic balance represent promising emerging therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity-related male infertility.