Microenvironment of spermatogonial stem cells: a key factor in the regulation of spermatogenesis
Wei Liu, Li Du, Junjun Li, Yan He, Mengjie Tang
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play a crucial role in the male reproductive system, responsible for maintaining continuous spermatogenesis. The microenvironment or niche of SSCs is a key factor in regulating their self-renewal, differentiation and spermatogenesis. This microenvironment consists of multiple cell types, extracellular matrix, growth factors, hormones and other molecular signals that interact to form a complex regulatory network. This review aims to provide an overview of the main components of the SSCs microenvironment, explore how they regulate the fate decisions of SSCs, and discuss the potential impact of microenvironmental abnormalities on male reproductive health.
Topics & Concepts
Stem cellSpermatogenesisCell biologyBiologyKey (lock)Stem cell factorEndocrinologyProgenitor cellEcologySperm and Testicular FunctionReproductive Biology and FertilityReproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species