Sertoli Cell Dynamics in Testicular Development
Summary
Sertoli cells are the principal somatic elements of the seminiferous epithelium, orchestrating the progression from testis organogenesis through to the completion of spermatogenesis. During foetal life, pluripotent precursors commit to a Sertoli cell fate under the influence of SRY and SOX9, initiating tubular morphogenesis and Leydig cell differentiation. A defined window of postnatal proliferation, governed by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin-like growth factors, activins and local cytokines, establishes the final Sertoli cell endowment. Cessation of division marks the onset of maturation: the formation of the blood–testis barrier via tight and adherens junctions compartmentalises germ cell differentiation and protects haploid stages from immune surveillance. Mature Sertoli cells regulate the microenvironment through metabolic support, notably lactate provision, and secretion of growth factors, immunomodulators and inhibins. Dynamic remodelling of junctional complexes underpins germ cell translocation, while coordinated signalling through MAPK, PI3K/Akt, AMPK and TGF-β/Smad pathways ensures synchrony between somatic and germ cell compartments. Disruption of any of these processes by genetic defects or exogenous insults can lead to impaired sperm production, hormonal imbalance and infertility. Understanding Sertoli cell dynamics is thus central to elucidating male reproductive health and developing interventions against declining sperm counts worldwide.
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Sertoli Cell Dynamics in Testicular Development publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sertoli cell dynamics in testicular development across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sertoli cell: A somatic cell within seminiferous tubules that supports germ cell development and forms the blood–testis barrier.
Spermatogenesis: The process by which diploid germ cells undergo mitosis, meiosis and differentiation to form spermatozoa.
Blood–testis barrier: A physical barrier of tight and adherens junctions between Sertoli cells that segregates germ cells from the immune system.
Tight junction: A specialised cell–cell contact that restricts paracellular diffusion and maintains compartmentalisation.
Adherens junction: A cell–cell adhesion complex linked to the actin cytoskeleton, crucial for tissue integrity and signalling.
Endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC): An exogenous compound that interferes with hormone synthesis, secretion, transport, binding or elimination.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway: A signalling cascade that transmits extracellular cues to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and junction dynamics.
References
- Dysregulation of Immature Sertoli Cell Functions by Exposure to Acetaminophen and Genistein in Rodent Cell Models. Cells (2023).
- Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals on Sertoli cell development and functions. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).
- Multiple signaling pathways in Sertoli cells: recent findings in spermatogenesis. Cell Death & Disease (2019).
- Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways Involved in Sertoli Cell Proliferation. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2019).
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