Formation and maintenance of testis cords during embryogenesis are essential for establishing testicular structure and function in adults. At least five genes (Wt1, Dhh, Sox8/Sox9, and Dax1) appear to be required for the maintenance of testis cord integrity in mice. Here, we report that RFX1 is specifically expressed in fetal Sertoli cells. Mouse embryos conditionally deficient in Rfx1 (Rfx1(flox/flox) , Amh-Cre) possessed disrupted testis cords, as the basal lamina lining was fragmented or completely absent in some areas of the testes. Spermatogenesis was blocked, leading to complete infertility. Expression of alpha-6 integrin was significantly decreased in Rfx1-deficient testes compared to control testes; indeed, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that RFX1 directly activates transcription of Itga6 (the gene coding for alpha-6 integrin). Taken together, RFX1 transcriptionally targets Itga6 in Sertoli cells, thereby helping to maintain the integrity of the basal lamina during testis cord development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Molecular reproduction and development. 2016 May 26 [Epub ahead of print]
Bo Wang, Tao Qi, Shi-Qin Chen, Lei Ye, Zhan-Sen Huang, Hao Li
The Department of Infertility & Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510630, China., The Department of Infertility & Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510630, China., The Assisted Reproductive Center, General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, 510010, China., The Department of Infertility & Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510630, China., The Department of Infertility & Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510630, China., The Department of Infertility & Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510630, China.