Rapid estrogen signaling in spermatogenesis

Serge Carreau, A. Chimento, C. Bois, R. Sirianni, C. Delalande, Vincenzo Pezzi

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of estrogens in male reproductive tract physiology has for a long time been a subject of debate. A substantial advance in our understanding of the estrogen signaling in testicular cells occurred in the last years. The testis produces significant amounts of estrogenic hormones, via aromatase, and estrogen receptors (ER) α and β are selectively expressed in testicular cells. ER α and ERβ belong to the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors. In addition to the well established transcriptional effects, estrogens can mediate rapid signaling, triggered within seconds or minutes. These rapid effects can be mediated by ERs or by the recently discovered G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPR30, involved in testicular cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on rodent spermatogenesis concerning the functions regulated by estrogens and mediated via both genomic and rapid mechanisms of action in testicular cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)294-305
Number of pages12
JournalImmunology, Endocrine and Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Volume11
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Aromatase
  • ERα
  • ERβ
  • Estrogen
  • Estrogen receptor
  • GPER
  • GPR30
  • Germ cells
  • Proliferation
  • Spermatids
  • Spermatocytes
  • Spermatogonia
  • Testis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Pharmacology

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