Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19(7):2167-2197. doi:10.7150/ijbs.82191 This issue Cite

Review

Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review

Fan Dong1,2, Ping Ping1,2, Yi Ma1,2✉, Xiang-Feng Chen1,2,3✉

1. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
2. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.
3. Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China.

Citation:
Dong F, Ping P, Ma Y, Chen XF. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19(7):2167-2197. doi:10.7150/ijbs.82191. https://www.ijbs.com/v19p2167.htm
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Abstract

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So far there has been no comprehensive review using systematic literature search strategies to show the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the human testis of the whole life cycle (from embryos to aging males). Here, we summarized the application of scRNA-seq analyses on various human testicular biological samples. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), focusing on English researches published after 2009. Articles related to GEO data-series were also retrieved in PubMed or BioRxiv. 81 full-length studies were finally included in the review. ScRNA-seq has been widely used on different human testicular samples with various library strategies, and new cell subtypes such as State 0 spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and stage_a/b/c Sertoli cells (SC) were identified. For the development of normal testes, scRNA-seq-based evidence showed dynamic transcriptional changes of both germ cells and somatic cells from embryos to adults. And dysregulated metabolic signaling or hedgehog signaling were revealed by scRNA-seq in aged SC or Leydig cells (LC), respectively. For infertile males, scRNA-seq studies revealed profound changes of testes, such as the increased proportion of immature SC/LC of Klinefelter syndrome, the somatic immaturity and altered germline autophagy of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, and the repressed differentiation of SSC in trans-females receiving testosterone inhibition therapy. Besides, the re-analyzing of public scRNA-seq data made further discoveries such as the potential vulnerability of testicular SARS-CoV-2 infection, and both evolutionary conservatism and divergence among species. ScRNA-seq analyses would unveil mechanisms of testes' development and changes so as to help developing novel treatments for male infertility.

Keywords: single-cell RNA sequencing, human testis, male gonad, spermatogenesis, bioinformatic analysis


Citation styles

APA
Dong, F., Ping, P., Ma, Y., Chen, X.F. (2023). Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 19(7), 2167-2197. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.82191.

ACS
Dong, F.; Ping, P.; Ma, Y.; Chen, X.F. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2023, 19 (7), 2167-2197. DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82191.

NLM
Dong F, Ping P, Ma Y, Chen XF. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19(7):2167-2197. doi:10.7150/ijbs.82191. https://www.ijbs.com/v19p2167.htm

CSE
Dong F, Ping P, Ma Y, Chen XF. 2023. Application of single-cell RNA sequencing on human testicular samples: a comprehensive review. Int J Biol Sci. 19(7):2167-2197.

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). See http://ivyspring.com/terms for full terms and conditions.
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