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The Role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signalling Pathway in Male Reproduction
Chun-Yan Deng1, Mei Lv1, Bin-Han Luo1
1Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
Current Molecular Medicine
|December 4, 2020
Summary
The phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates male fertility by controlling spermatogenesis and testicular function. This pathway is crucial for maintaining spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cell activity, impacting male infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Male fertility depends on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and spermatogenesis.
- Spermatogenesis involves stem cell self-renewal, differentiation, and meiosis.
- Disruptions in signaling pathways within the testis can cause male infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in male reproduction.
- To understand how this pathway regulates spermatogenesis and testicular function.
- To investigate its involvement in male infertility and response to environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in male reproduction.
- Analysis of the pathway's components and their functions in spermatogenesis.
- Examination of the pathway's role in SSC maintenance, Sertoli cell function, and response to EDCs.
Main Results:
- The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is integral to spermatogenesis, HPG axis regulation, and cell proliferation.
- mTOR acts as a key regulator for spermatogonial stem cell maintenance and differentiation.
- The pathway influences Sertoli cell metabolism and redox balance, crucial for sperm production.
Conclusions:
- The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is vital for normal male reproductive function.
- Dysregulation of this pathway contributes to spermatogenic disorders and male infertility.
- Targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic strategies for male infertility.
Keywords:
AutophagyHPG axisPI3K/AKT/mTOR signallingSpermatogenesishypothalamus-pituitary-gonad
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