Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the ultimate germline stem cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation, and a dynamic balance of SSCs play an essential role in spermatogenesis. During the gene expression process, genomic DNA and nuclear protein, working together, contribute to SSC homeostasis. Recently, emerging studies have shown that epigenome-related molecules such as chromatin modifiers play an important role in SSC homeostasis through regulating target gene expression. Here, we focus on two types of epigenetic events, including DNA methylation and histone modification, and summarize their function in SSC homeostasis. Understanding the molecular mechanism during SSC homeostasis will promote the recognition of epigenetic biomarkers in male infertility, and bring light into therapies of infertile patients.

Graphical Abstract

精原干细胞(SSCs)是具有自我更新和分化潜能的终极生殖干细胞，SSCs的动态平衡在精子发生过程中起着至关重要的作用。在基因表达过程中，基因组 DNA 和核蛋白共同作用，有助于 SSC 稳态。最近，新兴研究表明，染色质修饰剂等表观基因组相关分子通过调节靶基因表达在 SSC 稳态中发挥重要作用。在这里，我们关注两种类型的表观遗传事件，包括 DNA 甲基化和组蛋白修饰，并总结它们在 SSC 稳态中的功能。了解 SSC 稳态过程中的分子机制将促进对男性不育症表观遗传生物标志物的识别，并为不育症患者的治疗带来光明。

图形概要