Leydig progenitor cells in fetal testis

摘要: Testicular Leydig cells play pivotal roles in masculinization of organisms by producing androgens. At least two distinct cell populations sequentially emerge the mammalian testis. fetal testis (fetal cells) appear just after initial sex differentiation and induce male fetuses. Although there has been a debate on fate postnatal testis, it generally believed that regress are completely replaced another population, adult cells. Recent studies revealed gene expression patterns different between androgens produced from those mice. these results suggested have origins, several recent mouse models support hypothesis arise common progenitor pool. In this review, we first provide an overview previous knowledge, mainly studies, focusing cellular origins regulatory mechanisms underlying differentiation. addition, will briefly discuss functional differences human rodents. We also with give clues for understanding how subsequently destined to become or