A regulatory role for CHD4 in maintenance of the spermatogonial stem cell pool

Maintenance and self-renewal of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) population is the cornerstone of male fertility. Here, we have identified a key role for the nucleosome remodeling protein CHD4 in regulating SSC function. Gene expression analyses revealed that CHD4 expression is highly enriched in the SSC population in the mouse testis. Using spermatogonial transplantation techniques it was established that loss of Chd4 expression significantly impairs SSC regenerative capacity, causing a -50% reduction in colonization of recipient testes. An scRNA-seq comparison revealed reduced expression of self-renewalgenes following Chd4 knockdown, along with increased expression of signature progenitor genes. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that CHD4 regulates gene expression in spermatogonia not only through its traditional association with the remodeling complex NuRD, but also via interaction with the GDNF-responsive transcription factor SALL4. Cumulatively, the results of this study depict a previously unappreciated role for CHD4 in controlling fate decisions in the spermatogonial pool.

Automated summary

The nucleosome remodeling protein CHD4 plays a key role in regulating SSC function, with its loss impairing SSC regenerative capacity. CHD4 affects gene expression in spermatogonia not only through its association with the remodeling complex NuRD but also via interaction with the GDNF-responsive transcription factor SALL4, influencing fate decisions and maintenance in the spermatogonial pool.