DNA/RNA Helicase DHX36 is Required for Late Stages of Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a highly complex developmental process that typically consists of mitosis,meiosis,and spermiogenesis.DNA/RNA helicase DHX36,a unique guanine-quadruplex(G4)resolvase,plays crucial roles in a variety of biological processes.We previously showed that DHX36 is highly expressed in male germ cells with the highest level in zygotene spermatocytes.Here,we deleted Dhx36 in advanced germ cells with Stra8-GFPCre and found that a Dhx36 deficiency in the differentiated spermatogonia leads to meiotic defects and abnormal spermiogenesis.These defects in late stages of spermatogenesis arise from dysregulated transcription of G4-harboring genes,which are required for meiosis.Thus,this study reveals that Dhx36 plays crucial roles in late stages of spermatogenesis.