Characterization of a non-human primate model for the study of testicular peritubular cells —comparison with human testicular peritubular cells

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONAre monkey testicular peritubular cells (MKTPCs) from the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) a suitable translational model for the study of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs)?SUMMARY ANSWERMKTPCs can be isolated and propagatedin vitro, retain characteristic markers for testicular peritubular cells and their proteome strongly (correlation coefficient of 0.78) overlaps with the proteome of HTPCs.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYSmooth-muscle-like peritubular cells form the wall of seminiferous tubules, transport sperm, are immunologically active, secrete a plethora of factors and may contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche. Mechanistic studies are hampered by heterogeneity of human samples.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONWe established a culture method for MKTPCs and characterized these cells from six young adult animals (2 –3 years). To examine whether they qualify as a translational model we also examined HTPCs from seven men and compared the proteomes of both groups.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSWe used explant cultures to obtain MKTPCs, which express smooth muscle markers (calponin (CNN1), smooth muscle actin (ACTA2)), lack FSH-receptors (FSHR) and LH-receptors (LHCGR), but possess androgen receptors (AR). MKTPCs can be passaged at least up to eight times, without discernable phenotypic changes. Mass-spectrometry-based analyses of the MKTPC and HTPC proteomes were performed.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEWe established a meth...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research