The Role of Plzf in Spermatogonial Stem Cell Maintenance and Differentiation: Mapping the Transcriptional Dynamics and Key Interactions

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) sustain and modulate spermatogenesis through intricate signaling pathways and transcription factors. Promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger ( , also known as ) has been identified as a critical transcription factor influencing various signaling and differentiation pathways. plays a pivotal role in regulating the differentiation properties of SSCs and is essential for the proper maintenance of spermatogenesis. However, the transcription patterns of along the seminiferous tubules and its interaction network with adjacent partners still need to be fully elucidated. This study employed immunostaining techniques coupled with Fluidigm quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Fluidigm qPCR) to quantify expression in undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. Furthermore, we utilized bioinformatics analyses to identify partners and their associations with other regulatory factors. Immunohistostaining (IMH) revealed a high expression of in cells near the basal membrane of seminiferous tubules and a lower expression in the middle regions in vivo. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) demonstrated that undifferentiated spermatogonia exhibited significant positivity, whereas differentiated spermatogonia showed reduced expression in vitro. Fluidigm qPCR confirmed a significant differential expression of between undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia. In silico differential expression analysis between undifferentiated spermatogonia and spermatids indicated that is closely associated with , , , , and , highlighting the importance of these partnerships during spermatogenesis. Our findings suggest that the network of -related partners and their associated proteins involves differentiation, localization, apoptosis, and signal transduction. This comprehensive approach advances our understanding of transcription patterns and sheds light on its interactions with other cellular factors, revealing previously obscure pathways and interactions. These insights could lead to more effective diagnostic strategies for reproductive system-related diseases and inform the development of improved therapeutic and clinical applications.