Origin and Differentiation of Androgen-Producing Cells in the Gonads.
Sexual reproduction is dependent on the activity of androgenic steroid hormones to promote gonadal development and gametogenesis. Leydig cells of the testis and theca cells of the ovary are critical cell types in the gonadal interstitium that carry out steroidogenesis and provide key androgens for reproductive organ function. In this chapter, we will discuss important aspects of interstitial androgenic cell development in the gonad, including: the potential cellular origins of interstitial steroidogenic cells and their progenitors; the molecular mechanisms involved in Leydig cell specification and differentiation (including Sertoli-cell-derived signaling pathways and Leydig-cell-related transcription factors and nuclear receptors); the interactions of Leydig cells with other cell types in the adult testis, such as Sertoli cells, germ cells, peritubular myoid cells, macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells; the process of steroidogenesis and its systemic regulation; and a brief discussion of the development of theca cells in the ovary relative to Leydig cells in the testis. Finally, we will describe the dynamics of steroidogenic cells in seasonal breeders and highlight unique aspects of steroidogenesis in diverse vertebrate species. Understanding the cellular origins of interstitial steroidogenic cells and the pathways directing their specification and differentiation has implications for the study of multiple aspects of development and will help us gain insights into the etiology of reproductive system birth defects and infertility.
Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
Sarah J
SJ
Potter
Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
Deepti Lava
DL
Kumar
Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. tony.defalco@cchmc.org.
Tony
T
DeFalco
D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000728:Androgens
Hormone regulation; Interstitium; Leydig cell; Steroidogenesis; Theca cell