Testis

Androgen-Regulated Transcripts in the Neonatal Mouse Testis as Determined Through Microarray Analysis

Abstract
Androgens are required for normal spermatogenesis in mammalian testes. These hormones directly regulate testicular somatic cells that in turn support germ cell differentiation. However, the identity of genes under androgen regulation in the testis are not well known. In this study, neonatal male mice (8dpp) treated by testosterone propionate (TP) were used to study androgen action in the testis as evidenced by alterations in gene expression. Mice were treated with 0.5 mg TP or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or vehicle (oil) and testes were harvested 4, 8, and 16 hours after treatment. Global gene expression was monitored by microarray analysis. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to confirm the microarray results. The methodology was verified by confirming the presence of previously characterized TP-regulated genes including Pem in Sertoli cells and Cyp17a1 in Leydig cells. No significant differences in the gene expression were found between TP and DHT treated samples. Microarray analysis identified 141, 119 and 109 up-regulated genes 4, 8 and 16h after TP treatment respectively, and 83, 99 and 111 down-regulated genes at the same corresponding time points. The androgen regulation of select gene was further verified using testes from flutamide-treated adult mice and isolated Sertoli cells in culture. The data generated in this study may serve as a foundation for hypothesis-driven research and provide insights into gene networks and pathways under androgen control in the testis.

Key words: Mechanisms of Hormone Action • Testis • Androgen receptor • Sertoli cells • Testosterone

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