PGAM1 is Involved in Spermatogenic Dysfunction and Affects Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Migration

Objective: To investigate the correlation between PGAM1 and spermatogenic dysfunction and to evaluate the effect of expression of PGAM1 on the function of germ cells. Methods: Expression of PGAM1 was detected in 40 cases of infertile males with definite pathological diagnosis and 12 cases of mouse models with spermatogenic dysfunction by immunohistochemistry. Then, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were evaluated when expression of PGAM1 was knocked down by a specific small interfering RNA in GC1 and TM4 cells. Results: The positive rates of PGAM1 in patients with normal spermatogenesis, mild hypospermatogenesis, severe hypospermatogenesis, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome were 90%, 80%, 10%, 100%, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < .001). Meanwhile, expression of PGAM1 was found to be significantly decreased in mouse models with spermatogenic dysfunction. Moreover, when expression of PGAM1 was knocked down in GC1 cells, the proliferation and migration were significantly inhibited, but the rate of apoptosis was significantly increased. Furthermore, PGAM1 downregulation in TM4 cells significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis but didn’t affect migration. Conclusion: PGAM1 correlates with spermatogenic distinction and affects the function of cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration.