Regulation of Spermatogenesis: Linking Cell Cycle Dynamics to Fertility

Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered developmental process that ensures the continuous production of male gametes. It relies on precise co-ordination between cell proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death. These events occur within the seminiferous epithelium and are tightly regulated by intrinsic cell cycle mechanisms and extrinsic signals from the testicular microenvironment.The cell cycle governs the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. Disruption of this balance can lead to impaired sperm output or complete infertility. Key regulators, such as cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and checkpoint proteins, control progression through mitosis and meiosis. Their activity ensures accurate DNA replication, chromosomal segregation, and genome integrity during germ cell development.Meiosis represents a critical transition during spermatogenesis. Germ cells undergo specialized cell cycle modifications to allow homologous recombination and reductional division. Errors in meiotic entry, progression, or exit often result in germ cell arrest or apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests that defects in meiotic cell cycle control contribute to male infertility and heritable genomic instability.Spermatogenesis is also influenced by somatic cells within the testis. Sertoli cells coordinate germ cell development by providing structural support, metabolic cues, and cell cycle signals. Leydig cells regulate androgen production, which indirectly affects germ cell cycle progression. Crosstalk between germ cells and somatic cells is therefore essential for maintaining fertility.External factors, such as aging, environmental stress, endocrine disruption, and metabolic disorders, can alter cell cycle regulation in germ cells. These perturbations may cause long-term changes in sperm quality and reproductive potential. Understanding how these signals integrate with cell cycle machinery remains an important challenge.This Research Topic aims to highlight recent advances in understanding how cell cycle dynamics regulate spermatogenesis and fertility. It will bring together basic and translational studies that explore molecular mechanisms, cellular interactions, and clinical implications.Topics of interest include but are not limited to:• Cell cycle control of spermatogonial stem cell maintenance and differentiation• Regulation of meiotic entry, progression, and arrest in male germ cells• Role of cyclins, kinases, and checkpoints in spermatogenesis• Germ cell apoptosis and quality control mechanisms• Sertoli cell-mediated regulation of germ cell cycle dynamics• Impact of environmental and metabolic stress on spermatogenic cell cycles• Cell cycle defects as causes and biomarkers of male infertility Topic editors: Maria Celeste Ruete, Marcia Manterola Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77576/regulation-of-spermatogenesis-linking-cell-cycle-dynamics-to-fertility