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Published on: February 6, 2018
Evaluation of candidate markers for the peritubular myoid cell lineage in the developing mouse testis
Angela Jeanes1, Dagmar Wilhelm, Megan J Wilson
1Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Abstract:
Despite the importance of peritubular myoid (PM) cells in the histogenesis of the fetal testis, understanding the origin and function of these cells has been hampered by the lack of suitable markers. The current study was aimed at identifying molecular markers for PM cells during the early stages of testis development in the mouse embryo. Expression of candidate marker genes was tested by section in situ hybridisation, in some instances followed by immunofluorescent detection of protein products. Collagen type-I, inhibinbetaA, caldesmon 1 and tropomyosin 1 were found to be expressed by early-stage PM cells. These markers were also expressed in subsets of interstitial cells, most likely reflecting their common embryological provenance from migrating mesonephric cells. Although not strictly specific for PM cells, these markers are likely to be useful in studying the biology of early PM cells in the fetal testis.
Insights
Researchers identified new molecular markers for early peritubular myoid (PM) cells in developing mouse testes. These markers, including collagen type-I and inhibinbetaA, aid in studying fetal testis development and PM cell biology.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Peritubular myoid (PM) cells are crucial for fetal testis development.
- Identifying specific markers for early PM cells has been challenging, limiting research.
- Understanding PM cell origin and function is vital for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecular markers for peritubular myoid (PM) cells during early mouse embryonic testis development.
- To facilitate further investigation into the origins and functions of these critical cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized section in situ hybridization to screen candidate marker gene expression.
- Employed immunofluorescent detection for protein product validation.
- Examined gene expression in early-stage mouse embryonic testes.
Main Results:
- Identified Collagen type-I, inhibinbetaA, caldesmon 1, and tropomyosin 1 as markers for early PM cells.
- Observed co-expression of these markers in subsets of interstitial cells, suggesting a shared mesonephric origin.
- These markers show promise for studying early PM cell biology.
Conclusions:
- Collagen type-I, inhibinbetaA, caldesmon 1, and tropomyosin 1 are valuable markers for early fetal peritubular myoid cells.
- The identified markers can aid in understanding the embryological origins and functions of PM cells.
- Further research using these markers will advance knowledge of fetal testis development.
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