Spermatogenesis related genes: circular and elongated spermatids

Spermatogenesis is a special process of male germ cell differentiation completed through a series of complex mutually coordinated steps. Mammalian spermatogenesis consists of three stages: mitosis in spermatogonia, meiosis in spermatocytes, and spermiogenesis. During spermiogensis, round spermatids undergo complex morphological, biochemical, and physiological modifications, resulting in the formation of matured spermatozoa under precisely spatiotemporal regulation. This process is affected by many factors. With the development of technology in studying gene cloning, expression and function, many genes-associated with the spermatogenesis of round and elongated spermatids were found recently, some of which play important roles in the spermatogenesis of these two types of spermatids. However, the key genes for many phenomena in spermatogenesis are still poorly understood and further studies are needed. This paper provides a detailed review for the genes related to round and elongated spermatids in the spermatogenesis. Key words: Spermatogenesis; Round spermatids; Elongated sperm; Genes