The orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner mediates male infertility induced by diethylstilbestrol in mice.

ABSTRACT: Studies in rodents have shown that male sexual function can be disrupted by fetal or neonatal administration of compounds that alter endocrine homeostasis, such as the synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES). Although the molecular basis for this effect remains unknown, estrogen receptors likely play a critical role in mediating DES-induced infertility. Recently, we showed that the orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (Nr0b2), which is both a target gene and a transcriptional repressor of estrogen receptors, controls testicular function by regulating germ cell entry into meiosis and testosterone synthesis. We therefore hypothesized that some of the harmful effects of DES on testes could be mediated through Nr0b2. Here, we present data demonstrating that Nr0b2

SUBMITTER: Volle DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2786790 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature