β-estradiol promotes the growth of primary human fetal spermatogonial stem cells via the induction of stem cell factor in Sertoli cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mammalian spermatogenesis is responsible for male fertility and is supported by the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Sertoli cells provide a supportive microenvironment for SSCs, in part by the production of stem cell factor (SCF), which is a potent regulator of spermatogonia proliferation and survival.

Methods

We investigated the novel role of β-estradiol in modulating the proliferation and apoptosis of fetal SSCs via the regulation of SCF secretion in Sertoli cells isolated from human fetal testes. The proliferation of SSCs in the co-culture system was determined by colony formation and BrdU incorporation assays. TUNEL assay was used to measure SSC apoptosis in co-culture in response to treatment with control, β-estradiol, or

SUBMITTER: Tao K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8490564 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature