SEL1L is Dispensable for ER Homeostasis and Function in Spermatogenic Cells

The SEL1L-HRD1 complex is a critical component of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathway, essential for maintaining ER homeostasis and cellular function. While the importance of SEL1L and HRD1 in various physiological processes have been reported in mice and humans, their specific functions in male germ cells remain unexplored. This study aims to investigate the role of SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD in spermatogenesis process. To achieve this, we conducted whole genome RNA sequencing to identify genes differentially regulated in testes from male germ cell specific SEL1L-deficient mice. Transcriptomic analysis of testes from 7-week-old male germ cell-specific SEL1L knockout (Sel1Lflox/;Stra8-Cre, i.e. KOStra8) mice and heterozygous (Sel1Lflox/, i.e. HETStra8) littermates by unbiased whole genome RNA sequencing.