Regulatory effects of autophagy on spermatogenesis

Abstract

Abnormal spermatogenesis is an important pathophysiological process underlying male infertility. Apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and disruption of ectoplasmic specialization (ES) have been characterized as the key biological events of this disorder. Under physiological and pathophysiological conditions (such as exposure to starvation, environmental chemicals, radiation), autophagy is activated in spermatogenic or Sertoli cells in order to maintain survival of the spermatogenic cells by inhibiting spermatogenic cell apoptosis and stabilizing the integrity of ES via degradation of PDZ and LIM domain 1 (PDLIM1), a negative regulator of cytoskeletal organization. Here, we review the most recent research progress towards understanding the pivotal effects of autophagy on spermatogenesis.

Autophagy related gene expression status in patients diagnosed with azoospermia: A cross‐sectional study

“…From such accounts, autophagy is seen a protective and pivotal process in spermatogenic cells because it promotes stabilization and sustains the integrity of ectoplasmic specialization by suppressing the stressors in a cell (e.g. damaged proteins and organelles) . In a study by Duan et al .…”

“…The degradation of cellular components protects cellular survival under different conditions . Studies have revealed that defects in the autophagic pathway are linked to several human diseases and abnormalities . Indeed, as a fundamental pathway for many biological processes, autophagy is involved in the reproduction system (from the development of the primordial follicle and spermatozoa to embryogenesis, placental development and preservation of uterine quiescence during pregnancy).…”

“…Indeed, as a fundamental pathway for many biological processes, autophagy is involved in the reproduction system (from the development of the primordial follicle and spermatozoa to embryogenesis, placental development and preservation of uterine quiescence during pregnancy). Spermatogenic cells are the main cell type involved in the production of sperm and successful spermatogenesis is a delicate balance between the proliferation, survival, differentiation and cell death of spermatogenic cells, with autophagy process playing a potential role in the maintenance of this balance . Therefore, autophagy plays an important role in the male reproductive system and any disorder that is associated with the arrest of spermatogenesis and the resulting azoospermia phenotype …”

“…9 Studies have revealed that defects in the autophagic pathway are linked to several human diseases and abnormalities. [10][11][12] Indeed, as a fundamental pathway for many biological processes, autophagy is involved in the reproduction system (from the development of the primordial follicle and spermatozoa to embryogenesis, placental development and preservation of uterine quiescence during pregnancy). Spermatogenic cells are the main cell type involved in the production of sperm and successful spermatogenesis is a delicate balance between the proliferation, survival, differentiation and cell death of spermatogenic cells, with autophagy process playing a potential role in the maintenance of this balance.…”

Canine spermatozoa—What do we know about their morphology and physiology? An overview

“…Aparicio et al () indicated in their research that a specialized form of autophagy (named mitophagy) may be regulating sperm function such as motility and viability, and may be cooperating with apoptosis. What is more, Yin et al () made a review of the literature considering autophagy and autophagy‐related proteins. The review concluded that these proteins play a prosurvival role in sperm cells.…”