Id4 Marks Spermatogonial Stem Cells in the Mouse Testis

Sci Rep. 2015 Dec 1:5:17594. doi: 10.1038/srep17594.

Abstract

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a classic adult stems cell-dependent process, supported by the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). However, the identification of SSCs and elucidation of their behaviors in undisturbed testis has long been a big challenge. Here, we generated a knock-in mouse model, Id4-2A-CreERT2-2A-tdTomato, which allowed us to mark Id4-expressing (Id4(+)) cells at different time points in situ and track their behaviors across distinct developmental stages during steady-state and regenerating spermatogenesis. We found that Id4(+) cells continue to produce spermatogonia, spermatocytes and sperm in mouse testis, showing they are capable of self-renewal and have differentiation potential. Consistent with these findings, ablation of Id4(+) cells in mice results in a loss of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, developmental fate mapping reveals that Id4(+) SSCs originate from neonate Id4(+) gonocytes. Therefore, our results indicate that Id4 marks spermatogonial stem cells in the mouse testis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Differentiation / genetics
  • Antigens, Differentiation / metabolism*
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins / genetics
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology*
  • Spermatogonia / cytology
  • Spermatogonia / metabolism*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • Idb4 protein, mouse
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins