The plasminogen receptor directs maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells by targeting BMI1

Background Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are unique stem cells that account for the whole reproductive life of males and transmit genetic information to offspring. SSC maintenance is intricate and the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. Here, we report that SSC maintenance is driven by the plasminogen receptor (PLGRKT). Methods and results PLGRKT was located in SSCs, and knockdown of PLGRKT expression in cultured neonatal testis and SSCs impaired the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of cells. PLGRKT interacted with B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (BMI1), and modulated oxidative stress and p16/p19 signaling in SSCs. Conclusions We demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p16/p19 signaling are involved in “PLGRKT–BMI1” co-regulation of SSC maintenance in mice.