Glycogen metabolism in mouse embryonic Sertoli cells sustains the germ line through the lactate shuttle.

ABSTRACT: Metabolites are key regulators of cell fate decisions, epigenetic remodeling, and lineage commitment. While genetic pathways governing testis differentiation are well studied, the role of metabolism remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated a transient, male-specific accumulation of glycogen in supporting (Sertoli) cells of embryonic testis in mice. Although glycogen metabolism was dispensable for Sertoli cell differentiation, its disruption led to reduced lactate production and impaired PGCs ability to colonize the newly forming testis cords. Inhibiting lactate transport further revealed a critical metabolic coupling between Sertoli and germ cells during early testis development. Surprisingly, external lactate or glucose supplementation failed to rescue the germ cell pheno

SUBMITTER: Estermann MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12330536 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature