Molecular characterization of the murine Leydig cell lines TM3 and MLTC-1.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Leydig cells (LCs) are located in the interstitium of the testes and are characterized as steroid hormone-producing cells that are crucial for testicular function in maintaining spermatogenesis. Disruptions in their function, for instance due to genetic defects, endocrine disruptors, or age-related changes, often lead to hypogonadism and are among the main causes of male infertility. Therefore, reliable in vitro models are crucial for understanding the underlying signaling pathways, developing new therapeutic approaches and testing toxic substances that interfere with these processes. However, as primary LCs are naturally rare, require time-consuming isolation from animals and yield only small quantities, in theory, permanent LC lines offer a more practical and

SUBMITTER: Schroder-Lange SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12747838 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature