Biology of Reproduction最新文献

{"title":"Undifferentiated spermatogonia modulate their behavior via the expression of basement membrane protein laminin†.","authors":"Yusuke Kawabe, Saya Yamada, Yuichi Shima, Kentaro Tanemura, Shosei Yoshida, Kenshiro Hara","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag032","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioag032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the mouse testis, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are sparsely distributed and migrate along the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. Although the basement membrane is generally thought to be formed by surrounding somatic cells, whether SSCs also produce basement membrane proteins and, if so, whether SSC-produced laminin affects SSC behavior remains unknown. In this study, we found that mouse GFRα1+ spermatogonia, which include SSCs, expressed several laminin subunit genes, including Lamc1, whose expression declined upon differentiation. To test whether GFRα1+ spermatogonia-derived laminin regulates their behavior, we used two conditional knockout mouse models. In the Vasa-Cre model, which induces recombination in all germ cells, heterozygous deletion of Lamc1 increased both cell death and proliferation of GFRα1+ spermatogonia, while maintaining an apparent steady state of GFRα1+ cell density and spermatogenesis. In the tamoxifen-inducible GFRα1-CreER model carrying Lamc1flox/flox, tamoxifen-induced Lamc1 deletion in GFRα1+ spermatogonia caused a rapid reduction in their cell density within a few days, followed by increased proliferation and an imbalance between proliferation and differentiation of GFRα1+ spermatogonia that led to the restoration of GFRα1+ spermatogonial density. Collectively, these genetic findings suggest that GFRα1+ spermatogonia modulate their survival and behavior through laminin expression, likely by influencing the basement membrane around GFRα1+ spermatogonia. Such cell-autonomous regulation allows GFRα1+ spermatogonia, including SSCs, to form an appropriate local microenvironment wherever they reside within the testicular open niche, supporting stable behavior of spermatogonia during spermatogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1507-1519"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146112155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Irradiation with a mixed heavy ion beam induces ovarian follicle loss and dose-dependent mixed ovarian tumor development.","authors":"Kathleen N Leon Parada, Gregory Lawson, Polly Chang, Eleanor A Blakely, Lovleen Bajwa, Kevin Gramajo-Aponte, Samantha Getze, Ulrike Luderer","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag019","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioag019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over 25% of active NASA astronauts are women who will be exposed to low daily doses and dose rates of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) in space. We hypothesized that exposing mice to a preliminary simulated GCR mixed heavy ion beam composed of iron, silicon, and titanium ions induces follicle depletion and dose-dependent ovarian tumors. Female mice were exposed to 10, or 20 cGy each of Fe, Si, and Ti ions or sham-irradiation in quick succession within 15 min for total doses of 0, 30, or 60 cGy of the three beams. 16 months later, their ovaries were removed. Hyperplasia of the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) was noted in 13%, 59%, and 22% of the 0, 30, and 60 cGy irradiated mice, respectively. The prevalence of mixed ovarian tumors was 0, 6, and 89%, respectively, in the 0, 30, and 60 cGy groups. Low numbers of Ki67 positive OSE and tumor cells supported a benign tumor phenotype. In a separate study, Si ion irradiation alone at 32 cGy did not induce ovarian tumors in mice; however, the mixed heavy ions at all doses and Si ion irradiation alone reduced the total number of healthy ovarian follicles. Mixed heavy ion exposure reduced lipid peroxidation, fibrosis, inflammation, and lipofuscin accumulation at 60 cGy compared to 0 cGy, but elevated inflammation and lipofuscin accumulation at 30 cGy compared to 60 cGy. Preliminary simulated GCR exposure causes ovarian follicle death and tumorigenesis. This study provides insight into space-radiation induced ovarian damage and cancer risk in females.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1400-1415"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12990759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146008557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resveratrol improves follicular development in PCOS rats by inhibiting the inflammatory response and pyroptosis of granulosa cells†.","authors":"Huimei Wei, Zhouxin Zhang, Shun Zhang, Junli Wang, Xueying Cui, Zhihan Zhang, Jingjing Yu, Xiaocan Lei, Zhuge Xiuhong, Peng Huo","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioae160","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioae160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic inflammation is a key characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is associated with follicular dysplasia in PCOS. PCOS patients treated with 1000 mg resveratrol (RES) daily for 3 months showed significant improvement in menstrual cycle regularity compared to the placebo group. This investigation explores potential impact of RES on a rat model of PCOS. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to a 30-day letrozole/high-fat diet interventions for PCOS model establishment, followed by RES intervention (20 mg/kg/d) for an additional 30 days. RES intervention mitigated obesity, estrous cycle irregularities, and ovulation disorders while decreasing serum testosterone and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in PCOS rats. Concurrently, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, NLPR3, IL-6,) and pyroptosis-related markers (GSDMD, cleaved-Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18) were downregulated. Additionally, KGN cells (a human granulosa-like cell line) were treated with LPS and RES for in vitro assays. It was observed that RES (15 μM) significantly reduced ROS production and downregulated inflammatory cytokine expression in LPS-intervened KGN cells. Additionally, RES downregulated the expression levels of pyroptosis-related factors (GSDMD and cleaved-Caspase-1) and attenuated IL-18 and IL-1β secretion in LPS-induced KGN cells. Furthermore, RES intervention improved the pyroptosis-associated morphology of KGN cells after LPS treatment. In conclusion, RES may restore follicular development in PCOS rats by inhibiting inflammation and NLRP3/GSDMD/Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, providing new insights into potential therapeutic approaches for PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1227-1240"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142638344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bovine endometrial organoids: a new tool to study conceptus-maternal interactions in mammals†.","authors":"Jessica C Edge, Olga Amelkina, Haidee Tinning, Gianluca Giovanardi, Elena Mancinelli, Samantha Gardner, Elton J R Vasconcelos, Virginia Pensabene, Karen Forbes, Mary J O'Connell, Peter Ruane, Niamh Forde","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf252","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We developed a hormonally responsive organoid model of the bovine endometrium. Bovine glandular epithelial cells isolated from reproductive tracts were cultured in an extracellular matrix hydrogel (Cultrex 2) at 38.5°C, 5% CO2 (n = 3). RNA was extracted and qPCR confirmed the presence of gland markers: leukemia inhibitory factor, mucin-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, kruppel-like factor-5, and forkhead box protein-A2. Organoids were imaged at specific time-points to monitor growth. Morphologically, organoids were spherical and fast-growing at passages 0 and 1, but this declined following passage 2. Passage 0 (n = 3) organoids were treated with 1000 ng/ml recombinant ovine Interferon Tau (IFNT) or 10 μg/ml progesterone (P4) for 24 h and analysed by RNASeq to assess hormone responsiveness. 373 transcripts were upregulated (padj<0.05 or log2fold change >2) in response to P4 treatment, with downstream analysis showing significant overrepresentation (FDR < 0.05) of genes associated with positive regulation of protein localisation to plasma membrane and cell periphery. Of the 240 genes significantly downregulated by P4 these were significantly overrepresented (FDR < 0.05) in biological processes of cilium and cytoskeleton organisation. IFNT treatment resulted in significant upregulation of 414 genes and downregulation of 119 genes. The largest cluster associated with differentially expressed genes in response to IFNT is defence to virus and interferon signalling. Thirty genes were altered by both P4 treatment and IFNT treatment. Organoids were also shown to express conserved microRNAs, and it was possible to culture them in a microfluidics device-making them a useful model for a multitude of potential investigations. Bovine endometrial organoids are therefore a new tool to investigate conceptus-maternal interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1241-1257"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079446/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145511382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment and characterization of a new immortalized human adenomyosis epithelial-like cell line, tAEC21†.","authors":"Yuliya Klymenko, Jessica L Kersey, Hunter D Quigley, Shannon M Hawkins","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf255","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial glands and stroma grow within the uterine myometrium. As a clinically significant disease, adenomyosis causes substantial pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. It remains understudied due to a lack of translational research tools and model systems. This study aimed to develop a telomerase-transformed, epithelial-like cell line derived from the eutopic endometrium of a subject with focal adenomyosis. De-identified endometrial tissue was processed through mechanical and enzymatic digestion. Epithelial and stromal populations were separated by selective adhesion, followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using an epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM). EpCAM+ cells were effectively immortalized with the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene. Analyses confirmed the cells were human, free of mycoplasma contamination, and exhibited a unique 16-marker short tandem repeat (STR) profile. Cytogenetic analysis of G-banded metaphase spreads revealed polyploidy with multiple chromosomal rearrangements. The cell line, designated tAEC21, expressed epithelial markers cytokeratin-5 and N-cadherin but not the stromal marker CD10. Cells responded strongly to tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation by upregulating interleukin-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, and mucin 1 gene expression. In a heterotypic, three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model, tAEC21 formed a biologically relevant structure by creating an epithelial shell around the stromal cell core. In both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer and 3D culture, tAEC21 cells responded to 17β-estradiol (E2) but did not respond to progesterone (P4), consistent with the expression of estrogen (ESR1) and progesterone (PGR) receptors. This new epithelial-like, adenomyosis-derived cell line, tAEC21, will be an impactful, biologically plausible research resource.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1258-1276"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079455/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145562419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recovery of high-quality sperm after cryopreservation in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)†.","authors":"Niloofar Sadeghi, Aaryn Mustoe, Corinna N Ross, John R McCarrey, Brian P Hermann","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag029","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioag029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a promising animal model for preclinical biomedical research due to genetic, anatomic, and physiological similarity to humans. Assisted reproductive technologies can maximize the potential of captive research marmoset colonies, including preservation and propagation of genetically desirable or modified individuals. The literature on marmoset sperm cryopreservation is sparse, and limited assessments have been applied to the existing protocols that have yet to be fully optimized. In this study, we refined and standardized established cryopreservation components for common marmoset sperm, performed a comprehensive evaluation of frozen-thawed sperm quality, and identified accessible components for widespread adoption. While sperm were significantly less motile following cryopreservation compared to fresh sperm, no significant differences were detected across different cryostorage durations up to 6 months. Moreover, the average post-thaw recovery rates were 66% (total motility) and 36% (progressive motility), exceeding previously reported outcomes. Fresh and frozen-thawed sperm exhibited no significant differences in key structural parameters, including acrosome integrity and DNA fragmentation. The improved marmoset sperm cryopreservation protocol reported here will facilitate the sharing of genetically diverse and/or gene-edited sperm for research and colony management and provide a robust foundation for future studies aimed at enhancing the outcomes of frozen-thawed sperm in this and other NHP species.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1486-1497"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079450/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146059798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The topographical distribution of spermatogonial subpopulations during the cycle of seminiferous epithelium in Macaca Fascicularis.","authors":"Martina Palazzoli, Chiara Capponi, Sara Di Persio, Stefania Fera, Antonio Filippini, Stefan Schlatt, Nina Neuhaus, Elena Vicini","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag018","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioag018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis depends on the intricate molecular and cellular interactions between spermatogonial stem cells and their cognate niche in the seminiferous epithelium of the testis. To sustain the continuous production of sperm, spermatogonia proliferate and differentiate under the control of various niche factors, promoting either self-renewal or commitment to spermatogonial differentiation. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses have identified different subpopulations of spermatogonia in primates based on the expression of specific marker genes (PIWIL4, GFRA1, NANOS3, and KIT). However, the spatial distribution of the different spermatogonial subpopulations and their relationship with the niche has not been described yet. Here, we investigate the topological localization of spermatogonia in primates. To this end, immunohistochemical stainings for PIWIL4, GFRA1, NANOS3 and KIT were performed on Bouin fixed samples of Macaca fascicularis and quantitatively analyzed. Strauss linear selectivity index (Linear Index, Li) was employed to assess the regional distribution of spermatogonial subpopulations in the basal compartment of seminiferous tubules. Remarkably, PIWIL4+ spermatogonia showed a random distribution along the basal compartment across all the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. In contrast, GFRA1+, NANOS3+, and KIT+ spermatogonia displayed stage-dependent localization patterns. The spatial organization of different spermatogonial subpopulations, appeared coordinated with the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, suggesting a dynamic regulation of spermatogonial behavior throughout the process of sperm production. Our study contributes to the growing body of literature aimed at deciphering the complexities of SSC biology and the regulation of spermatogenesis in mammalian species, with implications for understanding male fertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1498-1506"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079449/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146008584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The evolution of endometriosis research models: a paradigm shift from immortalized cell lines to organoids†.","authors":"Jie Fang, Yaping Yang, Yujia Xiao, Peng Lü","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag011","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioag011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Endometriosis is a complex condition affecting 10% of reproductive-age women worldwide, yet its study has long been hindered by the shortcomings of traditional research models. This review aims to propose a novel theoretical framework and strategic roadmap to accelerate precision medicine in endometriosis. We systematically trace the evolution of research models in the field and critically assess the inherent constraints of conventional systems, including immortalized cell lines and primary cell cultures. While immortalized lines often fail to capture patient heterogeneity due to genetic drift, animal models cannot fully replicate the human immune microenvironment. Although primary cells preserve patient-specific traits and support personalized drug testing, their two-dimensional culture format limits their ability to mimic the three-dimensional (3D) architecture and dynamic cell-cell interactions of native tissues. Recent breakthroughs in organoid technology are reshaping endometriosis research by enabling 3D structural reconstruction, hormone responsiveness, and simulation of lesion progression. This review highlights the transformative potential of organoids in disease modeling, drug screening, and personalized therapy. We also discuss future opportunities for integrating organoids with emerging platforms-such as organ-on-a-chip systems, multi-omics analyses, and digital twin technology-to open new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms and advancing targeted treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"1186-1198"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145997231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estradiol-17β, a key embryonic signal, regulates gene expression and cellular functions in the porcine trophoblast†.","authors":"Ewelina Goryszewska-Szczurek, Agnieszka Waclawik","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioag077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Early pregnancy is a highly coordinated process requiring precise embryo-maternal communication. Estradiol-17β (E2) is considered the primary conceptus-derived signal responsible for the maternal recognition of pregnancy in pigs. Successful pregnancy establishment requires two distinct peaks of E2 secretion by porcine conceptuses: during days 11-12 (the maternal recognition of pregnancy) and days 15-30 (implantation). Although the role of E2 in signaling to the maternal system is well established, its potential autocrine effects on conceptus development remain unclear. This study examined whether E2 regulates trophoblast function during the maternal recognition of pregnancy and implantation. We demonstrated that expression of estrogen receptors (ESR1, ESR2, GPER1) and selected pregnancy-related genes (FOXO3, GDF15, SERPINE1, ESRRB, ESRRG) changes during early pregnancy in the pig. E2 regulated the gene expression of its receptors (ESR1, ESR2, GPER1), genes involved in E2 synthesis (HSD17B1), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2, AKR1C4, PTGES), and key mediators of pregnancy establishment (IL1B2, SERPINE1, FOXO3, GDF15, ESRRB and ESRRG). Furthermore, E2, acting via nuclear estrogen receptors, enhanced trophoblast cell proliferation on days 12 and 15 of pregnancy, and increased adhesion as well as MAPK1/3 and PTK2 protein phosphorylation on day 15 of pregnancy. E2 stimulated cell proliferation via MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, whereas E2-promoted adhesion was mediated via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling. Concluding, these findings indicate that E2 functions not only as a critical embryonic signal for the maternal recognition of pregnancy but also plays an autocrine role in conceptus development, regulating gene expression and trophoblast cell function during early gestation in pigs.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protein Palmitoylation in Spermatogenesis and Sperm Function: Emerging Roles and Regulatory Mechanisms†.","authors":"Ziqian Min, Meijin Li, Huan Xin, Liling Zhou, Xiaowen Liu, Gonghua Huang","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioag074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioag074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spermatogenesis, a complex developmental process, is spatiotemporally regulated by post-translational modifications. Among these, dynamic protein palmitoylation emerges as a central coordinator of membrane-associated events, critically governing acrosome formation, tail assembly, blood-testis barrier integrity, and epididymal maturation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how palmitoylation, catalyzed by ZDHHC enzymes and reversed by thioesterases, regulates protein localization, stability, and interactions to ensure normal sperm production and function. Disruption of this modification is linked to sperm defects and male infertility. We further highlight the unique expansion of the testicular palmitoylome and explore its potential as a target for novel diagnostic biomarkers and reversible male contraceptives. Unresolved questions regarding enzyme-specific functions, crosstalk with other modifications, and roles in meiosis are discussed to guide future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}