Syntaxin binding protein 2 in sertoli cells regulates spermatogonial stem cell maintenance through directly interacting with connexin 43 in the testes of neonatal mice

Background Interactions between Sertoli and germ cells are essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the mechanism of action underlying these interactions in the testes remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the distribution and function of syntaxin binding protein 2 (STXBP2) in the mammalian testis. Methods and results First, we found that STXBP2 was mainly expressed in Sertoli cells. Then, to explore the function of STXBP2 in the testes, we assessed the effects of Stxbp2 knockdown on neonatal testicular and spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) development. Our results revealed that STXBP2 was required for the migration of Sertoli cells and germ cell survival. Mechanistically, we found that STXBP2 interacted with connexin 43 (Cx43) and regulated its expression. Conclusions Taken together, our results demonstrated a novel regulatory mechanism in which the STXBP2/Cx43 complex is essential for the maintenance of Sertoli-germline interactions.