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Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
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Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
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A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
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The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
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The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
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Function and transcriptomic dynamics of Sertoli cells during prospermatogonia development in mouse testis.

Rong-Ge Yan1, Bin-Ye Li2, Qi-En Yang3

  • 1Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, QH, 810001, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.

Reproductive Biology
|September 21, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Sertoli cells are crucial for regulating germ cell development in mammals. Reducing Sertoli cell numbers disrupts prospermatogonia development, causing premature meiotic entry and affecting mitotic resumption in neonatal testes.

Keywords:
ProspermatogoniaQuiescenceSertoli cellsSpermatogenesisSpermatogonia

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) originate from prospermatogonia during neonatal testis development.
  • The molecular mechanisms governing the transition from prospermatogonia to SSCs remain largely unknown.
  • Sertoli cells play a critical role in testicular development and germ cell maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Sertoli cells in regulating prospermatogonia fate decisions during testicular development.
  • To identify molecular factors involved in Sertoli cell development and their interactions with germ cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Amh-cre mediated diphtheria toxin expression (AC;DTA) to reduce Sertoli cell numbers in murine fetal testes.
  • Performed histological and immunohistochemical analyses to assess germ cell development and cell cycle status.
  • Isolated primary Sertoli cells using a specific GFP reporter line for transcriptome analysis at various developmental stages.

Main Results:

  • Sertoli cell loss in AC;DTA mice led to defects in prospermatogonia fate.
  • A significant percentage of germ cells in AC;DTA testes reentered the cell cycle and initiated meiosis (indicated by gH2A.X and Sycp3 expression).
  • Sertoli cell loss significantly impacted prospermatogonia mitotic resumption postnatally.
  • Identified unique gene expression patterns in Sertoli cells, revealing potential regulatory candidates for cell development and intercellular communication.

Conclusions:

  • Sertoli cells are essential for maintaining prospermatogonia in mitotic arrest and preventing premature differentiation.
  • Sertoli cell number directly influences germ cell fate decisions, including meiotic entry and mitotic resumption.
  • Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Sertoli cell function and their interactions within the testis.