Journal
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Volume 29, Issue -, Pages 66-75Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.04.007
Keywords
Sertoli cells; Biological characteristics; Spermatogonial stem cells; Fate determinations; Regulation; Spermatogenesis
Categories
Funding
- Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology [2013CB947901, 2014CB943101]
- National Natural Science Foundation of China [31230048]
- National Science Foundation of China [31171422]
- Program for Professor of Special Appointment (Eastern Scholar) at Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learning [2012.053]
- Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality [12JC1405900]
- Key Discipline and Specialty Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning, and Shanghai Pujiang Progarm [11PJ1406400]
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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. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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