Sertoli cell signaling by Desert hedgehog regulates the male germline

摘要: Abstract Background: In mammals, testis development is initiated in the embryo response to expression of sex determining gene, Sry , Sertoli cell precursors. Subsequently, cells are thought play a central role male-specific interactions, including those that occur during spermatogenesis. However, molecular nature these interactions poorly understood. Desert hedgehog ( Dhh ) encodes signaling molecule expressed testis, but not ovary, and may therefore regulation Results precursors shortly after activation persists into adult. Female mice homozygous for -null mutation show no obvious phenotype, whereas males viable infertile, owing complete absence mature sperm. Examination developing different genetic backgrounds suggests regulates both early late stages Patched likely target Hedgehog signaling, also displays transcription gonad. This restricted second somatic lineage, Leydig cells. The lost mutants. Conclusion pre-Sertoli one earliest indications male sexual differentiation. Analysis null mutant demonstrates plays an essential mammalian Loss mutants conservation pathway between flies mice, indicates be direct signaling.