Sertoli Cell Function in Male Reproductive Biology

Sertoli cells are the principal somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules of the testis, forming a dynamic microenvironment that governs the development and maturation of male gametes. Acting as ‘nurse’ cells, they provide physical support, nutritional factors and paracrine signals to germ cells throughout the stages of spermatogenesis. A hallmark feature is the blood–testis barrier, a specialised junctional complex that segregates the basal and adluminal compartments, thereby protecting developing germ cells from immune attack and regulating molecular access. Sertoli cell activity is orchestrated by systemic hormones—principally follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone acting via the androgen receptor—and by local growth factors and microRNAs. These influences determine the proliferative capacity of Sertoli cells during development, their maturation at puberty and their sustained supportive role in the adult testis. Dysregulation of Sertoli cell function underlies a range of conditions, from age-related decline in fertility to congenital or acquired forms of male infertility. Advances in understanding Sertoli cell senescence, barrier dynamics and hormone-driven signalling pathways offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention and male contraceptive development, with global relevance for reproductive health and population management.

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Sertoli Cell Function in Male Reproductive Biology publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in sertoli cell function in male reproductive biology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Sertoli cell: A somatic cell in the testis that supports and nourishes developing germ cells and forms the blood–testis barrier.

Blood–testis barrier (BTB): A Sertoli cell-derived junctional complex that divides the seminiferous epithelium into basal and adluminal compartments, maintaining an immunoprivileged environment.

Spermatogenesis: The process by which diploid germ cells undergo mitosis, meiosis and differentiation to become mature spermatozoa.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A pituitary hormone that binds FSH receptors on Sertoli cells to stimulate their proliferation, differentiation and secretion of growth factors.

Androgen receptor (AR): An intracellular receptor in Sertoli cells that mediates the actions of testosterone and other androgens on gene transcription and cellular maturation.

References

1. Inhibition of miR-143-3p Restores Blood–Testis Barrier Function and Ameliorates Sertoli Cell Senescence. Cells (2024).
2. Hormone Regulation in Testicular Development and Function. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
3. Revisiting the gonadotropic regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis: evolving lessons during the past decade. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).