Pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 is selectively expressed by peritubular myoid cells in the murine testis and sustains long-term spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a complicated process of germ cell differentiation that occurs within the seminiferous tubule in the testis. Peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) produce major components of the basement membrane that separates and ensures the structural integrity of seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete niche factors to promote spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and mediate androgen signals to direct spermatid development. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the identity and function of PTMCs have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the expression of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (Pnliprp2) was restricted in PTMCs in the testis and that its genetic ablation caused age-dependent defects in spermatogenesis. The fertility of Pnliprp2 knockout animals (Pnliprp2(-/-)) was normal at a young age but declined sharply beginning at 9 months. Pnliprp2 deletion impaired the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia and severely disrupted the development and function of spermatids. Integrated analyses of single-cell RNA-seq and metabolomics data revealed that glyceride metabolism was changed in PTMCs from Pnliprp2(-/-) mice. Further analysis found that 60 metabolites were altered in the sperm of the Pnliprp2(-/-) animals; notably, lipid metabolism was significantly dysregulated. Collectively, these results revealed that Pnliprp2 was exclusively expressed in PTMCs in the testis and played a novel role in supporting continual spermatogenesis in mice. The outcomes of these findings highlight the function of lipid metabolism in reproduction and provide new insights into the regulation of PTMCs in mammals.

Automated summary

This study found that pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (Pnliprp2) is specifically expressed in peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) in the testis, and its genetic ablation causes age-dependent defects in spermatogenesis. Further analysis revealed that Pnliprp2 deletion affects the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia and severely disrupts the development and function of spermatids. Integrated analysis of RNA-seq and metabolomics data showed that glyceride metabolism was altered in PTMCs from Pnliprp2(-/-) mice, resulting in dysregulated lipid metabolism in the sperm.