Open Access

Characterization of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Jin‑Feng Shi
    • Yu‑Kun Li
    • Kun Ren
    • Yuan‑Jie Xie
    • Wei‑Dong Yin
    • Zhong‑Cheng Mo
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 7, 2017     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8000
  • Pages: 705-713
  • Copyright: © Shi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

The Sertoli cell, which is the supporting cell of spermatogenesis, has an important role in the endocrine and paracrine control of spermatogenesis. Functionally, it provides the cells of the seminiferous epithelium with nutrition, conveys mature spermatids to the lumen of seminiferous tubules, secretes androgen‑binding protein and interacts with endocrine Leydig cells. In addition, the levels of cholesterol, as well as its intermediates, vary greatly between nongonadal tissues and the male reproductive system. Throughout spermatogenesis, a dynamic and constant alteration in the membrane lipid composition of Sertoli cells occurs. In several mammalian species, testis meiosis‑activating sterol and desmosterol, as well as other cholesterol precursors, accumulate in the testes and spermatozoa. In addition, certain cholesterogenic genes exhibit stage‑specific expression patterns during spermatogenesis, including the cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14α‑demethylase. Inconsistency in the patterns of gene expression during spermatogenesis indicates a cell‑type specific and complex temporary modulation of lipids and cholesterol, which also implicates the dynamic interactions between Sertoli cells and germ cells. Furthermore, in the female reproductive tract and during epididymal transit, which is a prerequisite for valid fertilization, the modulation of cholesterol occurring in spermatozoal membranes further indicates the functional importance of sterol compounds in spermatogenesis. However, the exact role of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells in sperm production is unknown. The present review article describes the progress made in the research regarding the characteristics of the Sertoli cell, particularly the regulation of its cholesterol metabolism during spermatogenesis.
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January-2018
Volume 17 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Spandidos Publications style
Shi JF, Li YK, Ren K, Xie YJ, Yin WD and Mo ZC: Characterization of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis (Review). Mol Med Rep 17: 705-713, 2018
APA
Shi, J., Li, Y., Ren, K., Xie, Y., Yin, W., & Mo, Z. (2018). Characterization of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 17, 705-713. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8000
MLA
Shi, J., Li, Y., Ren, K., Xie, Y., Yin, W., Mo, Z."Characterization of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 17.1 (2018): 705-713.
Chicago
Shi, J., Li, Y., Ren, K., Xie, Y., Yin, W., Mo, Z."Characterization of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 17, no. 1 (2018): 705-713. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8000