TITLE:
Testicular expression of the TGF-β1 system and the control of Leydig cell proliferation
AUTHORS:
Gonzalez Candela Rocio, Calandra Ricardo Saul, Gonzalez-Calvar Silvia Ines
KEYWORDS:
TGF-β1; Leydig; ALK; Endoglin
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology,
Vol.4 No.10C,
September
4,
2013
ABSTRACT: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is
a key regulator that modulates male reproductive function. Testicular TGF-β1
modulates the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells, the organization of peritubular
myoid cells, testis development and spermatogenesis. Several studies have
indicated that TGF-β1
is involved in the tight balance between proliferative and apoptotic responses
in the Leydig cells. In the present review, we summarize the direct effects of
this cytokine in Leydig cells under normal and pathological conditions. We
analyze the effect of TGF-β1 inLeydig cells depending on the type of receptors involved in the signaling
pathway of TGF-β1. Our group has been analyzing the canonical and non
canonical intracellular signaling pathways of TGF-β1 that are involved
in the expression of proliferative and apoptotic markers in Leydig cells. On
the basis of our studies and from those of other authors we conclude that the
balance between the expression of TGF-β1 receptors and co receptors is
of relevance in Leydig cell physiology and pathophisiology.