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Mechanisms Regulating Spermatogonial Differentiation

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Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Differentiation in Gonad Development

Part of the book series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation ((RESULTS,volume 58))

Abstract

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex and highly ordered process by which male germ cells proceed through a series of differentiation steps to produce haploid flagellated spermatozoa. Underlying this process is a pool of adult stem cells, the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which commence the spermatogenic lineage by undertaking a differentiation fate decision to become progenitor spermatogonia. Subsequently, progenitors acquire a differentiating spermatogonia phenotype and undergo a series of amplifying mitoses while becoming competent to enter meiosis. After spermatocytes complete meiosis, post-meiotic spermatids must then undergo a remarkable transformation from small round spermatids to a flagellated spermatozoa with extremely compacted nuclei. This chapter reviews the current literature pertaining to spermatogonial differentiation with an emphasis on the mechanisms controlling stem cell fate decisions and early differentiation events in the life of a spermatogonium.

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  1. Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA

    Jennifer M. Mecklenburg & Brian P. Hermann Ph.D.

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    Rafal P. Piprek

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Mecklenburg, J.M., Hermann, B.P. (2016). Mechanisms Regulating Spermatogonial Differentiation. In: Piprek, R. (eds) Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Differentiation in Gonad Development. Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, vol 58. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31973-5_10

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