Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis and characterisation of testicular cells in giant panda ().

Context: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) is a rare and endangered species to be preserved in China. The giant panda has a low reproductive capacity, and due to the scarcity of samples, studies on testes from giant panda are very limited, with little knowledge about the process of spermatogenesis in this species.

Aims: To establish the gene expression profiles in cells from the testis of a giant panda.

Methods: The 10×Genomics single-cell RNA-sequencing platform was applied to cells from the testis of an adult giant panda.

Key Results: We identified eight testicular cell types including six somatic and two germ cell types from our single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets. We also identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each cell type, and performed functional enrichment analysis for the identified testicular cell types. Furthermore, by immunohistochemistry we explored the protein localisation patterns of several marker genes in testes from giant panda.

Conclusions: Our study has for the first time established the gene expression profiles in cells from the testis of a giant panda.

Implications: Our data provide a reference catalogue for spermatogenesis and testicular cells in the giant panda, laying the foundation for future breeding and preservation of this endangered species.