Krüppel-like factor 4 is involved in functional differentiation of testicular Sertoli cells.
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a pleiotropic zinc finger transcription factor that regulates genes being involved in differentiation and cell-cycle control. Knockout studies revealed a critical function for KLF4 in the terminal differentiation of many epithelial cells. In testicular Sertoli cells, Klf4 is strongly inducible by the glycoprotein follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Because KLF4 is essential for postnatal survival in mice, we deleted Klf4 specifically in Sertoli cells using the Cre/loxP system. Importantly, around postnatal day 18, a critical period of terminal Sertoli cell differentiation, mutant seminiferous tubules exhibited a disorganized germinal epithelium and delayed lumen formation. The ultrastructural finding of highly vacuolized Sertoli cell cytoplasm and the identification of differentially expressed genes, which are known to play roles during vesicle transport and fusion or for maintenance of the differentiated cell state, suggest impaired apical secretion of the Sertoli cell. Interestingly, a high proportion of all identified genes was localized in a small subregion of chromosome 7, suggesting coordinated regulation. Intriguingly, adult mutant mice are fertile and show normal testicular morphology, although the testosterone levels are decreased. In summary, KLF4 plays a significant role for proper and timely Sertoli cell differentiation in pubertal mice.
Godmann
Maren
M
Institute of Anatomy, Developmental Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany.
Katz
Jonathan P
JP
Guillou
Florian
F
Simoni
Manuela
M
Kaestner
Klaus H
KH
Behr
Rüdiger
R
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D005298:Fertility; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000090062:Kruppel-Like Factor 4; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010641:Phenotype; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012670:Seminiferous Epithelium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000254:growth & development; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood
D017931:DNA Primers; C000715468:Klf4 protein, mouse; D000090062:Kruppel-Like Factor 4; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; D014284:Triiodothyronine; D013739:Testosterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone