Journal
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
Volume 24, Issue 4, Pages 585-610Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09783-0
Keywords
Circadian clock; Spermatogenesis; Gonadal hormones; Retinoic acid signaling; Homologous recombination; Chromatoid body
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role and potential mechanisms of clock genes in regulating spermatogenesis. Rhythmic oscillation in semen parameters and physiological events of spermatogenesis have been observed. Disturbances in clock gene expression due to genetic mutations or environmental changes can significantly impair spermatogenesis, although the mechanisms of spermatogenesis regulation by clock genes remain unclear.
Circadian clocks can be traced in nearly all life kingdoms, with the male reproductive system no exception. However, our understanding of the circadian clock in spermatogenesis seems to fall behind other scenarios. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role and especially the potential mechanisms of clock genes in spermatogenesis regulation. Accumulating studies have revealed rhythmic oscillation in semen parameters and some physiological events of spermatogenesis. Disturbing the clock gene expression by genetic mutations or environmental changes will also notably damage spermatogenesis. On the other hand, the mechanisms of spermatogenetic regulation by clock genes remain largely unclear. Some recent studies, although not revealing the entire mechanisms, indeed attempted to shed light on this issue. Emerging clues hinted that gonadal hormones, retinoic acid signaling, homologous recombination, and the chromatoid body might be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis by clock genes. Then we highlight the challenges and the promising directions for future studies so as to stimulate attention to this critical field which has not gained adequate concern.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available