Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers dynamic roadmap and cell-cell communication during buffalo spermatogenesis

• Published in: iScience 2023-01, Vol.26 (1), p.105733-105733, Article 105733
• Main Authors: Huang, Liangfeng, Zhang, Junjun, Zhang, Pengfei, Huang, Xingchen, Yang, Weihan, Liu, Runfeng, Sun, Qinqiang, Lu, Yangqing, Zhang, Ming, Fu, Qiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell; Cell biology; Omics; Transcriptomics
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105733

Spermatogenesis carries the task of precise intergenerational transmission of genetic information from the paternal genome and involves complex developmental processes regulated by the testicular microenvironment. Studies performed mainly in mouse models have established the theoretical basis for spermatogenesis, yet the wide interspecies differences preclude direct translation of the findings, and farm animal studies are progressing slowly. More than 32,000 cells from prepubertal (3-month-old) and pubertal (24-month-old) buffalo testes were analyzed by using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and dynamic gene expression roadmaps of germ and somatic cell development were generated. In addition to identifying the dynamic processes of sequential cell fate transitions, the global cell-cell communication essential to maintain regular spermatogenesis in the buffalo testicular microenvironment was uncovered. The findings provide the theoretical basis for establishing buffalo germline stem cells in vitro or culturing organoids and facilitating the expansion of superior livestock breeding. [Display omitted] •Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers heterogeneity of cell types in buffalo testes•Trajectory analysis reveals sequential differentiation events in germ cells•Pseudotime analysis uncovers dynamic roadmap of germ cell development•Prepubertal and pubertal buffalo testes: Comparative global cell-cell communication Cell biology; Cell; Omics; Transcriptomics