Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are a vital component of the male reproductive system, underpinning spermatogenesis, the process by which sperm cells are continuously produced throughout a man's life. SSCs possess several features that distinguish them from other cell types and enable them to fulfil their role in maintaining male fertility. SSCs can self-renew, which means they can divide and produce identical daughter SSCs whilst maintaining their undifferentiated state. This self-renewal capability ensures a lifelong supply of sperm. Asymmetric cell division is a process by which SSCs give rise to two daughter cells with distinct fates: one retains its stem cell identity, while the other differentiates into a progenitor cell. Asymmetric cell division in SSCs is often associated with a specific orientation of the mitotic spindle during cell division. This orientation is critical in determining the fate of the daughter cells. When the spindle is oriented parallel to the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules, one daughter cell (located close to the basement membrane) retains contact with the SSC niche and remains a stem cell, whilst the other daughter cell (further away from the basement membrane) differentiates. SSCs are considered pluripotent stem cells, as they have the potential to give rise to a variety of cell types within the male germ line. They can differentiate into spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids, and eventually mature spermatozoa. SSCs undergo mitotic divisions to produce differentiating spermatogonia. These divisions include both symmetric divisions (yielding two identical SSCs) and asymmetric divisions (yielding one SSC and one differentiating spermatogonium). They possess tight regulation of their cell cycle, allowing them to balance self-renewal with differentiation. This regulation is crucial for maintaining the pool of undifferentiated SSCs whilst also producing progenitor cells for sperm production. SSCs are in close physical contact with Sertoli cells, which are supporting cells essential for their maintenance and regulation. Sertoli cells provide a microenvironmental niche that supports SSC self-renewal and differentiation by secreting factors like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). As with other types of stem cell that exist through adult life, SSCs possess mechanisms to maintain the genetic and epigenetic stability of their genome. This is crucial for ensuring that the genetic information passed on to the next generation is accurate and free from mutations. SSCs are at the centre of the regulation of spermatogenesis and respond to hormonal cues in the body, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, to initiate and modulate the production of sperm. This responsiveness allows the male reproductive system to adapt to various physiological conditions. They can move within the testicular environment. During development, they migrate from the centre of the seminiferous tubules toward the basement membrane, where they establish residence. This migration is essential for proper spermatogenesis and ensures a continuous supply of differentiating germ cells. Thus, SSCs have gained potential for therapeutic applications, including fertility preservation, treatment of male infertility, and the generation of patient-specific germ cells for reproductive medicine and research. We offer a large product catalogue of research reagents for studying spermatogonial stem cells, including DDX3Y antibodies. Explore our full spermatogonial stem cells product range below and discover more, for less.