The effect of FSH on gene expression of niche factors regulating calf spermatogonial stem cell during in vitro culture

Background: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are undifferentiated cells which are highly reproducible and expandable. Several studies have been conducted to reproduce these cells in culture. They used growth factors, hormones and different feeder cells to improve survival and proliferation of SSCs. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FSH on gene expression of growth factors FGF2 and GDNF in Sertoli cells. Methods: Sertoli cells and SSCs were isolated from 3-5 month-old calves.Bovine testicular cells were cultured for 15 days with or without FSH. Identification of these cells was confirmed by immunocytochemistry analysis.The gene expression of FGF2, GDNF and the gene markers bcl6b, thy-1 and C-kit was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR technique.Result: FSH influenced receptors of Sertoli cells which consequently increased expression of SSC self-renewal markers but repressed expression of SSCs differentiation marker. Moreover, culture with FSH led to grater expression of GDNF and FGF2.Conclusion: The results showed that FSH can increase the self-renewal of SSCs in vitro via upregulation of GDNF and FGF2 expression in Sertoli cells.

کلیدواژه ها:

FSH ، Gene expression ، SSCs ، Calves