SUPR
A spatial single-cell type map of adult human spermatogenesis
Dnr:

NAISS 2024/22-278

Type:

NAISS Small Compute

Principal Investigator:

Cecilia Lindskog

Affiliation:

Uppsala universitet

Start Date:

2024-02-28

End Date:

2025-03-01

Primary Classification:

20603: Medical Image Processing

Webpage:

Allocation

Abstract

Spermatogenesis involves the transformation of adult spermatogonial stem cells into fully developed sperm cells, which is governed by the testis niche/microenvironment. The cells must maintain a balance between renewing themselves and becoming differentiated, and then proceed through multiple stages of cellular processes that include mitosis, meiosis, and sperm development, which are accompanied by significant morphological changes in both the shape and size of the cell. This project aims to create a detailed spatial expression map of proteins involved in spermatogenesis using a multiplex immunohistochemistry approach. In FPPE tissue samples from human testis, specific cellular states along the sperm cell differentiation trajectory are marked out by fluorescent labeling. To be able to quantify and determine the state-specific expression patterns of hundreds of proteins, we will apply an image analysis pipeline to describe which proteins are expressed at which specific stage of spermatogenesis. BIIF is involved in building the algorithms necessary for this work. This research has the potential to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control spermatogenesis, which could lead to the development of new therapies for infertility and other related disorders.