The roles and regulation of Sertoli cells in fate determinations of spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis.
Spermatogenesis is a complex process by which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) self-renew and differentiate into spermatozoa under the elaborate coordination of testicular microenvironment, namely, niche. Sertoli cells, which locate around male germ cells, are the most critical component of the niche. Significant progress has recently been made by peers and us on uncovering the effects of Sertoli cells on regulating fate determinations of SSCs. Here we addressed the roles and regulation of Sertoli cells in normal and abnormal spermatogenesis. Specifically, we summarized the biological characteristics of Sertoli cells, and we emphasized the roles of Sertoli cells in mediating the self-renewal, differentiation, apoptosis, de-differentiation, and trans-differentiation of SSCs. The association between abnormal function of Sertoli cells and impaired spermatogenesis was discussed. Finally, we highlighted several issues to be addressed for further investigation on the effects and mechanisms of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis. Since Sertoli cells are the key supportive cells for SSCs and they are very receptive to modification, a better understanding of the roles and regulation of Sertoli cells in SSC biology and spermatogenesis would make it feasible to identify novel targets for gene therapy of male infertility as well as seek more efficient and safer strategies for male contraception.
State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China.
Yanan
Y
Hai
State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China.
Jingmei
J
Hou
State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China.
Yun
Y
Liu
State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China.
Yang
Y
Liu
State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China.
Hao
H
Yang
Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, China.
Zheng
Z
Li
State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China; Department of Urology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, 145 Shangdong Road, Shanghai 200001, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200127, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China. Electronic address: zupinghe@sjtu.edu.cn.
Zuping
Z
He
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D053713:Azoospermia / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013093:Spermatogonia / Q000166:cytology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*
D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Biological characteristics; Fate determinations; Regulation; Sertoli cells; Spermatogenesis; Spermatogonial stem cells