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WNT/β-Catenin-Signaling Pathway Stimulates the Proliferation of Cultured Adult Human Sertoli Cells via Upregulation of C-myc Expression

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Abstract

The role of WNT/β-catenin-signaling pathway is critical in mouse Sertoli cell maturation and tumorigenesis. This study aims to examine the effects of WNT/β-catenin signaling on the cultured adult human Sertoli cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) inhibitors, SB216763 and lithium chloride (LiCl), were used to activate WNT/β-catenin-signaling pathway. 5-Bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay and flow cytometry were used to analyze the proliferation and cell cycle of cultured human Sertoli cells, respectively. C-myc expression was accessed by immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The effects of c-myc on Sertoli cell proliferation were investigated by RNA interference technology and BrdU incorporation assay. The results showed activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling stimulated human Sertoli cell proliferation. Obvious increases in c-myc messenger RNA and protein expression were observed after SB216763 and LiCl treatments. Knockdown of c-myc expression attenuated the ability of WNT/β-catenin signaling to stimulate the proliferation of human Sertoli cells. WNT/β-catenin signaling enhances human Sertoli cell proliferation via upregulation of c-myc expression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China

    Yi Li MD, Qing Gao PhD & Jing Hao PhD

  2. Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China

    Gang Yin MD

  3. Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong Medical College, Linyi, China

    Xiangyun Ding MD

Authors
  1. Yi Li MD
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  2. Qing Gao PhD
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  3. Gang Yin MD
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  4. Xiangyun Ding MD
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  5. Jing Hao PhD
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Correspondence to Jing Hao PhD.

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Li, Y., Gao, Q., Yin, G. et al. WNT/β-Catenin-Signaling Pathway Stimulates the Proliferation of Cultured Adult Human Sertoli Cells via Upregulation of C-myc Expression. Reprod. Sci. 19, 1232–1240 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719112447126

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