Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data reveals refined functional networks for the self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem cells

3Citations
Citations of this article
13Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are exquisitely regulated to reach a balance between proliferation and differentiation in the niche of seminiferous epithelium. Several extrinsic factors such as GDNF are reported to switch the transition, activating various intrinsic signaling pathways. Transcriptomics analysis could provide a comprehensive landscape of gene expression and regulation. Here, we reanalyzed a previously published transcriptome of two cell types (standing for self-renewing and differentiating SSCs correspondingly). First, we proposed a new parameter, the expression index, to sort the genes considering both absolute and relative expression levels. Using a dynamic statistical model, we identified a list of 1119 candidate genes for SSC self-renewal with the best enrichment of canonical markers. Finally, based on interaction relations, we further optimized the list and constructed a refined network containing integrated information of interactions, expression alternations, biological functions, and disease associations. Further annotation of the 521 refined genes involved in the network revealed an enrichment of well-studied signaling pathways. We believe that the refined network could help us better understand the regulation of SSCs' fates, as well as find novel regulators or targets for SSC self-renewal or preservation of male fertility.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Wang, M., Zhao, W., Wang, F., Ling, X., Chen, D., Zhou, T., & Wang, Y. (2018). Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data reveals refined functional networks for the self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cells International, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5842714

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free