fig2

Figure 2. Proposed role of DHX36 and key regulators in spermatogenesis. (A) Schematic overview of spermatogenesis, progressing from spermatogonia through primary and secondary spermatocytes to spermatids and mature spermatozoa. Arrows indicate developmental progression. Key regulators act at distinct stages: c-KIT supports stem cell maintenance in spermatogonia; SPO11 initiates meiotic recombination in primary spermatocytes; and SYCP1 contributes to synaptonemal complex formation in secondary spermatocytes; (B) Mechanistic representation of DHX36 activity. DHX36 binds to G-quadruplex (G4) structures in m6A-modified RNA, promoting RNA remodeling and facilitating translational regulation during meiosis; (C) Summary of critical regulators involved in spermatogenesis. SPO11 is required for meiotic double-strand breaks and recombination; SYCP1 is essential for synaptonemal complex assembly; and c-KIT mediates proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. Together with DHX36, these regulators coordinate proper meiotic progression and germ cell maturation. DHX36: DEAH-box helicase 36; SYCP1: synaptonemal complex protein 1; c-KIT: KIT proto-oncogene; SPO11: SPO11 initiator of meiotic double strand breaks.