Single cell transcriptomics to define germ cell function in livestock

Spermatogenesis is a specialized developmental process that produces millions of sperm each day from puberty to old age. Crosstalk among testicular germ and somatic cells provides required direction for homeostasis of spermatogenesis and regeneration after an insult. Understanding spermatogenesis and the importance of sperm are critical. Sperm contribute genetic information that influences the traits of offspring, thus shaping performance, resiliency, and fitness of animal populations. Recent emergence of single cell RNA sequencing analysis (transcriptomics) opened a new avenue to explore reproductive biology by defining heterogeneity and crosstalk within complex cell lineages (e.g. male germline). New insights in the regulation of developmental processes at a molecular level provides invaluable information for researchers and clinicians to address underlying causes of infertility/subfertility and design novel advanced reproductive technologies. ...

Single cell RNA sequencing, livestock, spermatogenesis, testis