Dissecting the development of bovine testicular tissue using spatial transcriptomics

TL;DR

This study maps gene activity in bull testicles using a new sequencing method to understand how male germ cells develop.

Contribution

The first spatial transcription map of bovine testicular tissue is created, revealing dynamic gene activity during spermatogenesis.

Findings

Four germ cell groups and five somatic cell groups were identified with distinct biological functions.

Cell subpopulations and marker genes were defined, along with germ cell communication patterns.

The study provides insights into transcriptional dynamics during spermatogenesis in large mammals.

Abstract

Mammalian spermatogenesis is critical for the transmission of male genetic information, and single-cell sequencing technology can reveal its complex process. However, at present, there is no research on the dynamic transcription of bovine germ cell population.

In this study, we used Stereo-seq to construct a spatial transcription map of bovine testicular tissue at two ages. Four germ cell groups and five somatic cell groups were determined, and functional enrichment characterized their different biological functions and the differences between calves and adult bulls. At the same time, we also defined the subpopulations of cells and marker genes, then, clarified the communications between germ cells.

Our study constructed a spatial transcription map of bovine testicular tissue for the first time, and systematically described the dynamic transcription changes during spermatogenesis. These data laid the foundation for the study of spermatogenesis in large mammals and elucidated the transcriptional dynamics underlying male germ cell development.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-025-01340-4.

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