Sertoli cell-derived exosome-mediated transfer of miR-145-5p inhibits Leydig cell steroidogenesis by targeting steroidogenic factor 1.

ABSTRACT: In the mammalian testis, two distinct populations of Sertoli cells (SCs), the immature SCs (ISCs) and adult SCs (ASCs), play significant roles in regulating the development and function of Leydig cells. However, the effect of different SC types on the function of Leydig cells is poorly understood. Here, our study showed that miR-145-5p expression was significantly different in SCs at different stages, with the highest expression observed in ISCs. Exosomes mediate the transfer of miR-145-5p from ISCs to Leydig cells. Overexpression of miR-145-5p in Leydig cells significantly downregulated steroidogenic gene expression and inhibited testosterone synthesis. Additionally, miR-145-5p functioned by directly targeted steroidogenic factor-1 (Sf-1) and downregulated the expression of SF-1, which fu

SUBMITTER: Liang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12315942 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature