Uncovering changes in 3D-chromatin structure and dynamic gene expression during spermatogenesis [Hi-C]

We conducted a high-throughput analysis of the chromatin structural organisation and gene expression by using porcine spermatogonia (SPG), spermatocytes (SPY) and round spermatids (RS). We found that during spermatogenesis, SPY showed a weaker pattern of chromosomal interactions, attenuated compartmentalisation and a reduction in the number of TADs, which was restored during the subsequent period of round spermatids. This suggests a reprogramming of chromatin higher-order structures during porcine spermatogonia differentiation. Our results reveal that chromatin structure changes during porcine spermatogenesis, along with changes in gene expression. Overall design: Sequencing of collected porcine spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids to study chromatin interactions during spermatogenesis