FGF-independent MEK1/2 signalling in the developing foetal testis is essential for male germline differentiation in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Disrupted germline differentiation or compromised testis development can lead to subfertility or infertility and are strongly associated with testis cancer in humans. In mice, SRY and SOX9 induce expression of Fgf9, which promotes Sertoli cell differentiation and testis development. FGF9 is also thought to promote male germline differentiation but the mechanism is unknown. FGFs typically signal through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to phosphorylate ERK1/2 (pERK1/2). We explored whether FGF9 regulates male germline development through MAPK by inhibiting either FGF or MEK1/2 signalling in the foetal testis immediately after gonadal sex determination and testis cord formation, but prior to male germline commitment.

Results

pERK1/2 was detected in Sertoli

SUBMITTER: Blucher RO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10696798 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature