Dissecting the dynamic cellular transcriptional atlas of adult teleost testis development throughout the annual reproductive cycle
The successful proliferation and differentiation of testicular cells are vital for the survival, continuity and preservation of species. However, a comprehensive molecular orchestration underlying the spermatogenic process in teleost testis development throughout the annual cycle remains elusive. In this study, the testicular cells derived from adult black rockfish at distinct stages—Regressed, Regenerating, and Differentiating were dissected via single cell transcriptome sequencing. A continuous developmental trajectory of spermatogenic cells, from spermatogonia to spermatids, was delineated, elucidating the molecular events involved in the spermatogonia development. Subsequently, the dynamic regulation of gene expressions associated with spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation was observed across spermatogonia subgroups and various developmental stages. A bioenergetic transition from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration of spermatogonia during annual developmental cycle was demonstrated, and a deeper level of heterogeneity and molecular characteristics was revealed by re-clustering analysis. The developmental trajectory of Sertoli cells in annual reproductive cycle was examined, and the divergence of Leydig cells and macrophage were explored. Additionally, the interaction network between testicular micro-environment somatic cells and spermatogenic cell were established. Overall, our study provides detailed information on both germ and somatic cells within teleost testis during annual reproductive cycle, along with insights into the molecular regulation of spermatogonia dynamics, which lay the foundation for spermatogenesis regulation and germplasm preservation of endangered species. Overall design: the testiticular cells were isolated from black rockfish testis at different stages, then scRNAseq was performed to dissect dynamic cellular transcriptional atlas of adult teleost testis development throughout the annual reproductive cycle