TGF-betas: their role in testicular function and Sertoli cell tight junction dynamics.
Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) are known to regulate multiple physiological functions in the testis, which include spermatogenesis, Leydig cell steroidogenesis, extracellular matrix synthesis and testis development. More recent studies have shown that TGF-beta3 also regulates Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) dynamics in vitro via the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway, suggesting that this cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating the opening and closing of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). This in turn regulates the passage of pre-leptotene and leptotene spermatocytes across the BTB at stages VIII-XI of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. This review summarizes recent advances of studies on TGF-betas in the testis, highlighting their regulatory role in TJ dynamics.
Lui
Wing-Yee
WY
Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Lee
Will M
WM
Cheng
C Yan
CY
D000818:Animals; D001814:Blood-Testis Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D019108:Tight Junctions / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases