Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids
Published on: October 7, 2020
Is matrix metalloproteinase required in postnatal testicular tubules for germ cell maturation?
Ruili Li1, Jian-Guo Zhang, James Churchill
1F. Douglas Stephens Surgical Research Laboratory, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
Background/Aim:
Cryptorchidism may cause infertility by failed transformation of neonatal gonocytes into adult dark spermatogonia, the putative stem cells for spermatogenesis. Gonocytes migrate centrifugally to the tubular basement membrane to become adult dark spermatogonia. Regulation of this transformation remains unknown. We aimed to investigate neonatal rodent testis matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production to see whether MMPs loosen extracellular matrix between Sertoli cells to facilitate gonocyte movement.
Methods:
Sprague-Dawley rat testes (n = 4-6 per group) were collected at embryonic day 19 (E19) and postnatal (P) days P0 to 10 for immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescent confocal images were captured for presence of membrane type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), mouse VASA homologue, anti-Müllerian hormone, and androgen receptor in tissue sections. Testicular proteins were analyzed by immunoblotting.
Results:
Membrane type 1 MMP was strongly present in gonocytes at E19 then decreased, whereas it increased in testicular somatic cells from P0 to P10. Testicular protein levels of MT1-MMP, MMP2, and androgen receptor were constant from E19 to P10. Anti-Müllerian hormone protein sharply decreased after P2, whereas TIMP2 gradually increased from E19 to P10. Gonocytes migrated to basement membrane at P2 to P6.
Conclusion:
Membrane type 1 MMP, MMP2, and TIMP2 were present in testis from E19 to P10 during gonocyte migration and transformation into spermatogenic stem cells. Increased knowledge about germ cell development may aid efforts to improve fertility in cryptorchidism.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

