Dissecting the development of bovine testicular tissue using spatial transcriptomics

Abstract

Abstract Background 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.