Nodal signaling via an autocrine pathway promotes proliferation of mouse spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells through Smad2/3 and Oct-4 activation.

ABSTRACT: Spermatogenesis is the process that involves the division and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells into spermatozoa. However, the autocrine molecules and signaling pathways controlling their fate remain unknown. This study was designed to identify novel growth factors and signaling pathways that regulate proliferation, differentiation, and survival of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells. To this end, we have for the first time explored the expression, function, and signaling pathway of Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, in mouse spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells. We demonstrate that both Nodal and its receptors are present in these cells and in a spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell line (C18-4 cells), whereas Nodal is undetected in Sertoli cells

SUBMITTER: He Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3443855 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature