Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2010-12-28
pubmed:abstractText
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a heparan sulfate (HS)-binding factor. GDNF is produced by somatic Sertoli cells, where it signals to maintain spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and reproduction. Here, we investigate the roles of extracellular HS 6-O-endosulfatases (Sulfs), Sulf1 and Sulf2, in the matrix transmission of GDNF from Sertoli cells to SSCs. Although Sulfs are not required for testis formation, Sulf deficiency leads to the accelerated depletion of SSCs, a testis phenotype similar to that of GDNF+/- mice. Mechanistically, we show that Sulfs are expressed in GDNF-producing Sertoli cells. In addition, reduced Sulf activity profoundly worsens haplo-deficient GDNF phenotypes in our genetic studies. These findings establish a critical role of Sulfs in promoting GDNF signaling and support a model in which Sulfs regulate the bioavailability of GDNF by enzymatically remodeling HS 6-O-desulfation to release GDNF from matrix sequestration. Further, Sertoli cell-specific transcriptional factor Wilm's tumor 1 (WT1) directly activates the transcription of both Sulf1 and Sulf2 genes. Together, our studies not only identify Sulfs as essential regulators of GDNF signaling in the SSC niche, but also as direct downstream targets of WT1, thus establishing a physiological role of WT1 in Sertoli cells.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Feb
pubmed:issn
1460-2423
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
21
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
152-61
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Animals, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Cell Differentiation, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Gene Expression Regulation, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Heparitin Sulfate, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Humans, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Male, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Mice, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Nuclear Proteins, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Promoter Regions, Genetic, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Rats, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Sertoli Cells, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Signal Transduction, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Spermatogonia, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Stem Cell Niche, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Stem Cells, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Sulfatases, pubmed-meshheading:20855470-Sulfotransferases
pubmed:year
2011
pubmed:articleTitle
Expression regulation and function of heparan sulfate 6-O-endosulfatases in the spermatogonial stem cell niche.
pubmed:affiliation
The Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural