Expression of beta-nerve growth factor receptor mRNA in Sertoli cells downregulated by testosterone

Article Abstract:

Cells in the testes that are destined to become functional sperm cells receive nourishment and support from two other testicular cell types, Sertoli and Leydig cells. These cells are in their turn influenced by hormones secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. Luteinizing hormone (LH) affects Leydig cells, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acts on Sertoli cells. The Sertoli cells supply important substances to the developing germ cells, while the Leydig cells produce testosterone, a regulator of both other cell types. A substance called B-nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for the development and normal function of nerve cells of the autonomic nervous system, has been found in sperm cells at all phases of development. This factor works via a receptor protein, the NGF receptor (NGFR), into which the NGF molecule fits as does a key into a lock. Its function in the male reproductive system is not yet known, but it could work to regulate cells there. As are all proteins, NGFR protein is synthesized by a process that depends on the presence of messenger RNA (mRNA), and the particular mRNA that makes NGFR is called NGFR mRNA. Its presence in a cell suggests that that cell is engaged in the manufacture of nerve growth factor receptor. Sertoli cells in the rat testicle were found to contain NGFR mRNA, and the amount per cell increased after the pituitary had been removed, suggesting that pituitary hormones might control this receptor. The increase disappeared when human chorionic gonadotropin, which interacts with the LH receptor, or testosterone, were given. When Leydig cells were selectively destroyed by the injection of a substance toxic to them, or when the androgen (male hormone) receptor was chemically blocked, NGFR mRNA increased dramatically. These interactions between hormones and presence of NGFR mRNA suggest that NGF itself may be important for normal manufacture of sperm (spermatogenesis), a function that has not yet been demonstrated for NGF. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testis, Human reproduction, Nerve growth factor

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A new player in cell death

Article Abstract:

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are required in a pathway for programmed cell death. Apoptosis is flawed in cells lacking STAT1. Research has uncovered a new function of STATs that is independent of tyrosine phosphorylation or a functional SH2 domain.

Reports, Cell death, Cellular signal transduction, Protein research

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