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Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Apr 2021Self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) are critical for male fertility and reproduction, both of which are highly regulated by testicular...
Self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) are critical for male fertility and reproduction, both of which are highly regulated by testicular microenvironment. Exosomal miRNAs have emerged as new components in intercellular communication. However, their roles in the differentiation of SSC remain unclear. Here, we observed miR-486-5p enriched in Sertoli cell and Sertoli cell-derived exosomes. The exosomes mediate the transfer of miR-486-5p from Sertoli cells to SSCs. Exosomes release miR-486-5p, thus up-regulate expression of Stra8 (stimulated by retinoic acid 8) and promote differentiation of SSC. And PTEN was identified as a target of miR-486-5p. Overexpression of miR-486-5p in SSCs down-regulates PTEN expression, which up-regulates the expression of STRA8 and SYCP3, promotes SSCs differentiation. In addition, blocking the exosome-mediated transfer of miR-486-5p inhibits differentiation of SSC. Our findings demonstrate that miR-486-5p acts as a communication molecule between Sertoli cells and SSCs in modulating differentiation of SSCs. This provides a new insight on molecular mechanisms that regulates SSC differentiation and a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of male infertility.
Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Exosomes; Gene Expression Regulation; Male; Mice; MicroRNAs; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Sertoli Cells; Stem Cells; Testis
PubMed: 33608983
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16347 -
Biology of Reproduction Jul 2018The complex morphology of the Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells has been a focus of investigators since they were first described by Enrico Sertoli.... (Review)
Review
The complex morphology of the Sertoli cells and their interactions with germ cells has been a focus of investigators since they were first described by Enrico Sertoli. In the past 50 years, information on Sertoli cells has transcended morphology alone to become increasingly more focused on molecular questions. The goal of investigators has been to understand the role of the Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis and to apply that information to problems relating to male fertility. Sertoli cells are unique in that they are a nondividing cell population that is active for the reproductive lifetime of the animal and cyclically change morphology and gene expression. The numerous and distinctive junctional complexes and membrane specializations made by Sertoli cells provide a scaffold and environment for germ cell development. The increased focus of investigators on the molecular components and putative functions of testicular cells has resulted primarily from procedures that isolate specific cell types from the testicular milieu. Products of Sertoli cells that influence germ cell development and vice versa have been characterized from cultured cells and from the application of transgenic technologies. Germ cell transplantation has shown that the Sertoli cells respond to cues from germ cells with regard to developmental timing and has furthered a focus on spermatogenic stem cells and the stem cell niche. Very basic and universal features of spermatogenesis such as the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and the spermatogenic wave are initiated by Sertoli cells and maintained by Sertoli-germ cell cooperation.
Topics: Animals; Fertility; Germ Cells; Humans; Male; Seminiferous Epithelium; Sertoli Cells; Spermatogenesis; Testis
PubMed: 29462262
DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy027 -
Biochemical and Biophysical Research... Nov 2021The molecular regulation of Sertoli cells and their crosstalk with germ cells has not been fully characterized. SUMO proteins are essential for normal development and...
The molecular regulation of Sertoli cells and their crosstalk with germ cells has not been fully characterized. SUMO proteins are essential for normal development and are expressed in mouse and human Sertoli cells; However, the cell-specific role of sumoylation in those cells has only started to be elucidated. In other cell types, including granulosa cells, sumoylation is regulated by a SUMO ligase KAP1/Trim28. Deletion of KAP1 in Sertoli cells causes testicular degeneration; However, the role of KAP1 in those cells has not been identified. Here we show that both mouse and human Sertoli undergo apoptosis upon inhibition of sumoylation with a chemical inhibitor or via a siRNA technology. We have additionally detected changes in the Sertoli cell proteome upon the inhibition of sumoylation, and our data suggest that among others, the expression of ER/stress-related proteins is highly affected by this inhibition. Sumoylation may also regulate the NOTCH signaling which is important for the maintenance of the developing germ cells. Furthermore, we show that a siRNA-down-regulation of KAP1 in a Sertoli-derived cell line causes an almost complete inactivation of sumoylation. In conclusion, sumoylation regulates important survival and signaling pathways in Sertoli cells, and KAP1 can be a major regulator of sumoylation in these cells.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Line; Humans; Male; Mice; Proteins; Sertoli Cells; Sumoylation
PubMed: 34624570
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.09.066 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2020Sertoli cells are somatic supporting cells in spermatogenic niche and play critical roles in germ cell development, but it is yet to be understood how epigenetic...
Sertoli cells are somatic supporting cells in spermatogenic niche and play critical roles in germ cell development, but it is yet to be understood how epigenetic modifiers regulate Sertoli cell development and contribution to spermatogenesis. BRG1 (Brahma related gene 1) is a catalytic subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and participates in transcriptional regulation. The present study aimed to define the functions of BRG1 in mouse Sertoli cells during mouse spermatogenesis. We found that BRG1 protein was localized in the nuclei of both Sertoli cells and germ cells in seminiferous tubules. We further examined the requirement of BRG1 in Sertoli cell development using a conditional knockout mouse model and two mouse strains to specifically delete gene from Sertoli cells. We found that the mice from Jackson Laboratory had inefficient recombinase activities in Sertoli cells, while the other strain from the European Mouse Mutant Archive achieved complete deletion in Sertoli cells. Nevertheless, the conditional knockout of from Sertoli cells by neither of strains led to any detectable abnormalities in the development of either Sertoli cells or germ cells, suggesting that BRG1-SWI/SNF complex is dispensable to the functions of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Cell Nucleus; Cells, Cultured; DNA Helicases; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Knockout Techniques; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Nuclear Proteins; Seminiferous Tubules; Sertoli Cells; Sex Differentiation; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 32575410
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124358 -
Development (Cambridge, England) Jul 2023Temporal transcription profiles of fetal testes with Sertoli cell ablation were examined in 4-day culture using a diphtheria toxin (DT)-dependent cell knockout system in...
Temporal transcription profiles of fetal testes with Sertoli cell ablation were examined in 4-day culture using a diphtheria toxin (DT)-dependent cell knockout system in AMH-TRECK transgenic (Tg) mice. RNA analysis revealed that ovarian-specific genes, including Foxl2, were ectopically expressed in DT-treated Tg testis explants initiated at embryonic days 12.5-13.5. FOXL2-positive cells were ectopically observed in two testicular regions: near the testicular surface epithelia and around its adjacent mesonephros. The surface FOXL2-positive cells, together with ectopic expression of Lgr5 and Gng13 (markers of ovarian cords), were derived from the testis epithelia/subepithelia, whereas another FOXL2-positive population was the 3βHSD-negative stroma near the mesonephros. In addition to high expression of Fgfr1/Fgfr2 and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (a reservoir for FGF ligand) in these two sites, exogenous FGF9 additives repressed DT-dependent Foxl2 upregulation in Tg testes. These findings imply retention of Foxl2 inducibility in the surface epithelia and peri-mesonephric stroma of the testicular parenchyma, in which certain paracrine signals, including FGF9 derived from fetal Sertoli cells, repress feminization in these two sites of the early fetal testis.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Male; Female; Sertoli Cells; Testis; Mice, Transgenic; Ovary; Fetus
PubMed: 37376880
DOI: 10.1242/dev.201660 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Androgen receptor signaling pathway is necessary to complete spermatogenesis in testes. Difference between androgen binding location in Sertoli cell classifies androgen... (Review)
Review
Androgen receptor signaling pathway is necessary to complete spermatogenesis in testes. Difference between androgen binding location in Sertoli cell classifies androgen receptor signaling pathway into classical signaling pathway and non-classical signaling pathway. As the only somatic cell type in seminiferous tubule, Sertoli cells are under androgen receptor signaling pathway regulation androgen receptor located in cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Androgen receptor signaling pathway is able to regulate biological processes in Sertoli cells as well as germ cells surrounded between Sertoli cells. Our review will summarize the major discoveries of androgen receptor signaling pathway in Sertoli cells and the paracrine action on germ cells. Androgen receptor signaling pathway regulates Sertoli cell proliferation and maturation, as well as maintain the integrity of blood-testis barrier formed between Sertoli cells. Also, Spermatogonia stem cells achieve a balance between self-renewal and differentiation under androgen receptor signaling regulation. Meiotic and post-meiotic processes including Sertoli cell - Spermatid attachment and Spermatid development are guaranteed by androgen receptor signaling until the final sperm release. This review also includes one disease related to androgen receptor signaling dysfunction named as androgen insensitivity syndrome. As a step further ahead, this review may be conducive to develop therapies which can cure impaired androgen receptor signaling in Sertoli cells.
Topics: Humans; Male; Receptors, Androgen; Sertoli Cells; Signal Transduction; Spermatogenesis; Testis
PubMed: 35282467
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.838858 -
Reproduction (Cambridge, England) Mar 2019SRC family kinases (SFKs) are known regulators of multiple cellular events, including cell movement, differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. SFKs are... (Review)
Review
SRC family kinases (SFKs) are known regulators of multiple cellular events, including cell movement, differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. SFKs are expressed virtually by all mammalian cells. They are non-receptor protein kinases that phosphorylate a variety of cellular proteins on tyrosine, leading to the activation of protein targets in response to environmental stimuli. Among SFKs, SRC, YES and FYN are the ubiquitously expressed and best studied members. In fact, SRC, the prototypical SFK, was the first tyrosine kinase identified in mammalian cells. Studies have shown that SFKs are regulators of cell junctions, and function in endocytosis and membrane trafficking to regulate junction restructuring events. Herein, we briefly summarize the recent findings in the field regarding the role of SFKs in the testis in regulating spermatogenesis, particularly in Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell adhesion. While it is almost 50 years since the identification of the oncogene v-Src encoded by Rous sarcoma transforming virus, the understanding of SFK involvement during spermatogenesis in the testis remains far behind that in other epithelia and tissues. The goal of this review is to bridge this gap.
Topics: Animals; Cell Adhesion; Cell Differentiation; Germ Cells; Humans; Male; Sertoli Cells; Spermatogenesis; src-Family Kinases
PubMed: 30608903
DOI: 10.1530/REP-18-0440 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2020The immune privilege of the testes is necessary to prevent immune attacks to gamete-specific antigens and paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens,... (Review)
Review
The immune privilege of the testes is necessary to prevent immune attacks to gamete-specific antigens and paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, allowing for normal spermatogenesis. However, infection and inflammation of the male genital tract can break the immune tolerance and represent a significant cause of male infertility. Different T cell subsets have been identified in mammalian testes, which may be involved in the maintenance of immune tolerance and pathogenic immune responses in testicular infection and inflammation. We reviewed the evidence in the published literature on different T subtypes (regulatory T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and natural killer T cells) in human and animal testes that support their regulatory roles in infertility and the orchitis pathology. While many in vitro studies have indicated the regulation potential of functional T cell subsets and their possible interaction with Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatogenesis, both under physiological and pathological processes, there have been no in situ studies to date. Nevertheless, the normal distribution and function of T cell subsets are essential for the immune privilege of the testes and intact spermatogenesis, and T cell-mediated immune response drives testicular inflammation. The distinct function of different T cell subsets in testicular homeostasis and the orchitis pathology suggests a considerable potential of targeting specific T cell subsets for therapies targeting chronic orchitis and immune infertility.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmunity; Biomarkers; Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Homeostasis; Humans; Immunity; Immunomodulation; Leydig Cells; Male; Sertoli Cells; Spermatogenesis; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; T-Lymphocytes; Testis
PubMed: 33374605
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010057 -
Genes Nov 2019Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cords is a key event during embryonic testicular morphogenesis and is...
Testis cords are the embryonic precursors of the seminiferous tubules. Development of testis cords is a key event during embryonic testicular morphogenesis and is regulated by multiple signaling molecules produced by Sertoli cells. However, the exact nature and the cascade of molecular events underlying testis cord development remain to be uncovered. In the current study, we explored the role of DNA damage binding protein 1 (DDB1) in Sertoli cells during mouse testis cord development. The genetic ablation of specifically in Sertoli cells resulted in the compromised Sertoli cell proliferation and disruption of testis cord remodeling in neonatal mice. This testicular dysgenesis persisted through adulthood, resulting in smaller testis and low sperm production. Mechanistically, we observed that the DDB1 degradation can stabilize SET domain-containing lysine methyltransferase 8 (SET8), which subsequently decreases the phosphorylation of SMAD2, an essential intracellular component of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. Taken together, our results suggest an essential role of in Sertoli cell proliferation and normal remodeling of testis cords via TGFβ pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first upstream regulators of TGFβ pathway in Sertoli cells, and therefore it furthers our understanding of testis cord development.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Cell Proliferation; DNA-Binding Proteins; Gene Deletion; Male; Mice; Sertoli Cells; Signal Transduction; Spermatic Cord; Transforming Growth Factor beta
PubMed: 31779270
DOI: 10.3390/genes10120974 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2018Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule and exhibits different effects in long-day and short-day breeding animals. Testosterone, the main resource of androgens in the testis,... (Review)
Review
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule and exhibits different effects in long-day and short-day breeding animals. Testosterone, the main resource of androgens in the testis, is produced by Leydig cells but regulated mainly by cytokine secreted by Sertoli cells. Melatonin acts as a local modulator of the endocrine activity in Leydig cells. In Sertoli cells, melatonin influences cellular proliferation and energy metabolism and, consequently, can regulate steroidogenesis. These suggest melatonin as a key player in the regulation of steroidogenesis. However, the melatonin-induced regulation of steroid hormones may differ among species, and the literature data indicate that melatonin has important effects on steroidogenesis and male reproduction.
Topics: Animals; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Leydig Cells; Male; Melatonin; Reproduction; Sertoli Cells; Testosterone
PubMed: 29462985
DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020447