Testosterone and FSH modulate Sertoli cell extracellular secretion: Proteomic analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Spermatogenesis relies on complex intercellular communication within seminiferous tubules.
• Sertoli cells are crucial for spermatogenesis, but their molecular signaling pathways are not fully understood.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as key mediators of cell-to-cell communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and content of EVs secreted by Sertoli cells.
• To determine how FSH and testosterone stimulation modulate the molecular cargo of Sertoli cell EVs.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of highly purified porcine pre-pubertal Sertoli cells.
• Culture of Sertoli cells with FSH or FSH + testosterone stimulation for 48 hours.
• Identification and proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles and their mRNA/protein content.

Main Results:

• Sertolian EVs were identified and found to contain specific mRNAs.
• Proteomic analysis revealed 29 proteins in EVs under basal conditions, many involved in receptor binding.
• FSH and testosterone stimulation significantly altered the abundance of specific proteins within Sertoli cell EVs, including inhibins and growth factors.

Conclusions:

• Sertoli cells secrete EVs that carry specific molecular cargo.
• Hormonal stimulation (FSH and testosterone) dynamically regulates the protein and mRNA content of these EVs.
• These findings provide novel insights into the paracrine mechanisms governing spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function.