title: Expression pattern of G protein-coupled receptor 30 in human seminiferous tubular cells.
abstract: The role of estrogens in male reproductive physiology has been intensively studied over the last few years. Yet, the involvement of their specific receptors has long been a matter of debate. The selective testicular expression of the classic nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) argues in favor of ER-specific functions in the spermatogenic event. Recently, the existence of a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30) mediating non-genomic effects of estrogens has also been described. However, little is known about the specific testicular expression pattern of GPR30, as well as on its participation in the control of male reproductive function. Herein, by means of immunohistochemical and molecular biology techniques (RT-PCR and Western blot), we aimed to present the first exhaustive evaluation of GPR30 expression in non-neoplastic human testicular cells. Indeed, we were able to demonstrate that GPR30 was expressed in human testicular tissue and that the staining pattern was consistent with its cytoplasmic localization. Additionally, by using cultured human Sertoli cells (SCs) and isolated haploid and diploid germ cells fractions, we confirmed that GPR30 is expressed in SCs and diploid germ cells but not in haploid germ cells. This specific expression pattern suggests a role for GPR30 in spermatogenesis.
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal. Electronic address: pfobox@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Pedro F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
authors.forename: Marco G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Correia
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
authors.forename: Raquel L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Bernardino
authors.affiliation: Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Joaquina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.affiliation: Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, 4100-009 Porto, Portugal; Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Biomedical Research Multidisciplinary Unit (UMIB-FCT), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Mário
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
authors.forename: José E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Cavaco
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal. Electronic address: ssocorro@fcsaude.ubi.pt.
authors.forename: Sílvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Socorro
mesh_terms: D015153:Blotting, Western; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015870:Gene Expression; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013091:Spermatogenesis
chemical_list: C109584:GPER1 protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
keywords: Estrogen receptors; Estrogens; G protein-coupled receptor 30; Germ cells; Sertoli cells