Spermatogenesis and Its Significance in Reproductive Medicine

Abstract

As infertility rates across nations become a growing concern, the interest in the development of treatments, such as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), increases. This is especially the case for male infertility. For instance, the average sperm count continues to decline across nations, while more adult and pediatric patients survive cancer only to be left with little to no options for fertility restorative therapies. Understanding the male reproductive system and the process of spermatogenesis, however, has proven to be a difficult task. Progress occurs slowly and inconsistencies remain in the literature while reports attempt to better understand spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in conjunction with spermatogenesis. Interestingly, stem cell behavior, the decision to self-renewal or commit to differentiation, has shown to be closely linked to the stem cell's microenvironment (i.e. niche). Perhaps the missing pieces required to better understanding spermatogenesis are found in the redefined perspective of SSC niche dynamics.

WWC2 expression in the testis: Implications for spermatogenesis and male fertility

“…In adults, the testicular tissue consists of hundreds of seminiferous tubules containing germ cells nestled among somatic Sertoli cells, which also form the blood‐testis barrier that provides an immune‐privileged environment to post‐meiotic cells 15–18 . During spermatogenesis, spermatogonia (Spg) differentiate into spermatocytes (Spc), then further into round spermatids (RS), and finally into elongated spermatids (ES) which are released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules 19 …”

“…[15][16][17][18] During spermatogenesis, spermatogonia (Spg) differentiate into spermatocytes (Spc), then further into round spermatids (RS), and finally into elongated spermatids (ES) which are released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. 19 Spermatogenesis requires a highly organized regulatory system composed of different signaling pathways as well as intra-and intercellular communication to control germ cell differentiation. Because of the complexity of processes required for proper male sperm production, altered cellular or molecular events that cause a disturbed spermatogenesis and male infertility are often difficult to identify.…”