Deciphering the Contribution of ROCK-Dependent Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling to Testosterone Production in Mouse Leydig Cells.

ABSTRACT: Infertility affects about 17.5% of couples, with male factors accounting for approximately 50% of cases. Cytoskeletal remodeling is increasingly recognized as a critical component of male reproductive function, particularly in the regulation of testosterone synthesis by Leydig cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase (ROCK), a key cytoskeletal regulator, influences actin dynamics, impacting intracellular trafficking. In this study, we investigated the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in Leydig cells using the TM3 cell model. Pharmacological inhibition of ROCK activity with Y-27632 impaired actin cytoskeleton organization, reduced the phosphorylation of LIMK, COFILIN, and MLC2, and disrupted the colocalization of F-actin

SUBMITTER: Xu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12691457 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature