Mast4 knockout shows the regulation of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal via the FGF2/ERM pathway

Cell Death Differ. 2021 May;28(5):1441-1454. doi: 10.1038/s41418-020-00670-2. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is an important cellular differentiation process that produces the male gametes and remains active throughout the individual's lifespan. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) refers to the dysfunction of the male reproductive system, including infertility. Accurate self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is essential to prevent SCO syndrome. This study investigated the role of microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4) in spermatogenesis in mice. MAST4 was localized in Sertoli cells before puberty, providing a somatic niche for spermatogenesis in mice and MAST4 expression shifted to Leydig cells and spermatids throughout puberty. Mast4 knockout (KO) testes were reduced in size compared to wild-type testes, and germ cell depletion associated with an increase in apoptosis and subsequent loss of tubular structure were similar to the SCO phenotype. In addition, MAST4 phosphorylated the Ets-related molecule (ERM), specifically the serine 367 residue. The phosphorylation of ERM ultimately controls the transcription of ERM target genes related to SSC self-renewal. The expression of spermatogenesis-associated proteins was significantly decreased whereas Sertoli cell markers were increased in Mast4 KO testes, which was well-founded by RNA-sequencing analysis. Therefore, MAST4 is associated with the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)/ERM pathway and this association helps us explore the capacity of SSCs to maintain a vertebrate stem cell niche.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Spermatogonia / physiology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • MAST4 protein, human
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases