Fig. 4: Signaling pathways in the niche cells of testis.

A Key genes and expression patterns in TGFβ signaling pathway in Sertoli cells in cluster 11. Cluster-specific expression is indicated by black circles. B Violin plots showing expression levels of TGFβ signaling pathway genes. C TGFβ signaling pathway in Sertoli cells, highlighting the key genes in red ovals. D Key genes and expression patterns in steroid biosynthesis process in cluster 12. Cluster-specific expression is shown in black circles. E Violin plots showing expression levels of steroid biosynthesis genes. F Male steroid biosynthesis process in Leydig cells, highlighting the key genes in orange ovals. G UMAP map of krt8 showing expression in both cluster 11 and 12, indicated by black circles. H Immunofluorescence analysis using Krt8 antibody in ovotestis (second antibody, TRITC-conjugated immunoPure goat anti-rabbit IgG(H + L)). The nuclei were stained with DAPI. Positive signals were located in Sertoli and Leydig cells (arrows). The enlarged images on the right panel originated from the dotted squares on the left panel. Sg spermatogonia, Sc spermatocytes, St round spermatids, Lc Leydig cells, Se Sertoli cells. Scale bar: 20 µm. I UMAP map of cldn11 showing expression in both cluster 11 and 12, indicated by black circles. J Immunofluorescence analysis using Cldn11 antibody in ovotestis (second antibody, FITC-conjugated immunoPure goat anti-rabbit IgG(H + L)). The nuclei were stained with DAPI. Positive signals were located in Sertoli and Leydig cells (arrows). The enlarged images on the right panel originated from the dotted squares on the left panel. Lc Leydig cells, Se Sertoli cells. Scale bar: 20 µm.