TGF-betas: their role in testicular function and Sertoli cell tight junction dynamics

Int J Androl. 2003 Jun;26(3):147-60. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2605.2003.00410.x.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) are known to regulate multiple physiological functions in the testis, which include spermatogenesis, Leydig cell steroidogenesis, extracellular matrix synthesis and testis development. More recent studies have shown that TGF-beta3 also regulates Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) dynamics in vitro via the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway, suggesting that this cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating the opening and closing of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). This in turn regulates the passage of pre-leptotene and leptotene spermatocytes across the BTB at stages VIII-XI of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. This review summarizes recent advances of studies on TGF-betas in the testis, highlighting their regulatory role in TJ dynamics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood-Testis Barrier / physiology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology
  • Seminiferous Epithelium / physiology
  • Sertoli Cells / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology
  • Testis / cytology*
  • Testis / physiology
  • Tight Junctions / physiology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3

Substances

  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta3
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases