Fetal Leydig Cell Protein Regulates Sertoli Cell Proliferation
Denise R. Archambeault, Ph.D.,
University of Illinois
NIEHS Grant T32ES007326
An NIEHS-supported trainee reports a newly discovered function for a fetal Leydig cell produced protein called Activin A. The protein, which is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) protein superfamily, acts directly on Sertoli cells to promote proliferation during late embryogenesis.
Prior to this discovery, it was thought that fetal Leydig cells, which produce testosterone, only served to masculinize the embryo and not function in testis morphogenesis. In additional experiments that genetically disrupted the gene that encodes for Activin A specifically in fetal Leydig cells, testis cord elongation and expansion due to decreased Sertoili cell proliferation failed to occur. Disruption of TGF-β signaling in Sertoli cells led to testis cord dysgenesis and proliferative deficits similar to those in the Leydig cell-specific Activin A knockout mice. These results indicated that Activin A is the major TGF-β protein that acts directly on Sertoli cells. These effects last into adulthood resulting in low sperm production abnormal testicular development. These findings challenge the existing paradigm that fetal testis development is solely under the control of the Sertoli cells.
Citation: Archambeault DR, Yao HH. Activin A, a product of fetal Leydig cells, is a unique paracrine regulator of Sertoli cell proliferation and fetal testis cord expansion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Jun 8;107(23):10526-31
▲ Up: Carbon Nanotubes Can Affect the Lining of the Lungs (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/sep/2009/carbon/index.cfm)
▼ Down: Asthma Symptoms in Children Associated with Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/sep/2010/acetaminophen/index.cfm)
