How to translate text using browser tools
31 May 2021 Sertoli cell replacement in explanted mouse testis tissue supporting host spermatogenesis
Kazusa Higuchi, Takafumi Matsumura, Haruhiko Akiyama, Yoshiakira Kanai, Takehiko Ogawa, Takuya Sato
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous tubules, starting from the spermatogonial stem cell and maturing into sperm through multiple stages of cell differentiation. Sertoli cells, the main somatic cell constituting the seminiferous tubule, are in close contact with every germ cell and play pivotal roles in the progression of spermatogenesis. In this study, we developed an in vitro Sertoli cell replacement method by combining an organ culture technique and a toxin receptor-mediated cell knockout system. We used Amh-diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mice, whose Sertoli cells specifically express human diphtheria toxin receptor, which renders them sensitive to diphtheria toxin. An immature Amh-diphtheria toxin receptor testis was transplanted with the donor testis cells followed by culturing in a medium containing diphtheria toxin. This procedure successfully replaced the original Sertoli cells with the transplanted Sertoli cells, and spermatogenesis originating from resident germ cells was confirmed. In addition, Sertoli cells in the mouse testis tissues were replaced by transplanted rat Sertoli cells within culture conditions without requiring immunosuppressive treatments. This method works as a functional assay system, making it possible to evaluate any cells that might function as Sertoli cells. It would also be possible to investigate interactions between Sertoli and germ cells more closely, providing a new platform for the study of spermatogenesis and its impairments.

Summary sentence

This study developed an in vitro system for replacing the Sertoli cells of the testis tissue. The donor Sertoli cells, either from mouse or rat, reestablished a new Sertoli–germ interaction, supporting the host spermatogenesis under culture conditions. This system can be used for evaluating the Sertoli cell function and deciphering their supporting mechanisms for spermatogenesis.

Graphical Abstract

© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for the Study of Reproduction. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com
Kazusa Higuchi, Takafumi Matsumura, Haruhiko Akiyama, Yoshiakira Kanai, Takehiko Ogawa, and Takuya Sato "Sertoli cell replacement in explanted mouse testis tissue supporting host spermatogenesis," Biology of Reproduction 105(4), 934-943, (31 May 2021). https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioab104
Received: 3 December 2020; Accepted: 27 May 2021; Published: 31 May 2021
KEYWORDS
Organ culture
Sertoli cell
spermatogenesis
toxin receptor-mediated cell knockout
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top