Photoperiod‐regulated mitophagy in the germ cells of Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

• DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12818
• Publication Date: 2024-04-01T03:29:13Z
• Authors: Lijuan ZHAO; Chunxiao CHEN; Lewen WANG; Yan LIU; Fanglei GONG; Jingou WANG; Hong SUN; Dawei WANG; Zhenlong WANG
• Keywords: Germinal epithelium

Abstract Photoperiod is a pivotal factor in affecting testicular function and spermatogenesis seasonal‐breeding animals. Mitophagy essential for spermatogenesis, but its association with seasonal photoperiods has not been studied extensively. To explore this, we exposed male Brandt's voles ( Lasiopodomys brandtii ) to long‐photoperiod (LP, 16 h/day) short‐photoperiod (SP, 8 conditions from their embryonic stages. Our results indicated that testis weight, volume, relative testes weight were all significantly increased LP compared SP. Additionally, blood testosterone levels markedly higher than Histological examination revealed seminiferous diameter epithelium thickness greater LP, an abundance of germ cell types numbers RT‐qPCR analysis showed mitophagy‐promoting genes, such as Pink1 , Prkn Tomm7 Mnf2 Lc3 Optn Gabarap Nbr1 upregulated LP. Fluorescence situ hybridization expression was present spermatogonia SP, while extended almost mean optical density. found both density 10‐week‐old males. Transmission electron microscopy normal mitochondrial morphology clear membranes the group had reduced cristae mitochondria damaged undergoing autophagy. This study suggests mitophagy may be involved photoperiodic voles, providing insights into role photoperiod reproduction wild