Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the local cell landscape in mouse epididymal initial segment during aging

Introduction: Morphological and functional alternations of the aging reproductive organs result in decreased male fertility. We previously reported that the epididymal initial segment underwent remarkable histological changes and chronic immune-activation in mouse during aging. However, the local cell landscape in the aged epididymal initial segment are poorly understood. Objectives: We aimed to characterize the aging-associated cellular and molecular features of mouse epididymal initial segment. Overall design: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was conducted on the epididymal IS of young (3-month-old) and old (21-month-old) C57BL/6 mice.