The role of transforming growth factor beta superfamily in male germ cell development.
- Author:
Er-Peng JIANG
1
;
Yuan-Qiang ZHANG
Author Information
1. Department of Histology & Embryology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710032, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Activins;
physiology;
Animals;
Anti-Mullerian Hormone;
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins;
physiology;
Glycoproteins;
Growth Inhibitors;
physiology;
Humans;
Inhibins;
physiology;
Male;
Spermatogenesis;
physiology;
Spermatozoa;
growth & development;
Testicular Hormones;
physiology;
Transforming Growth Factor beta;
physiology
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2002;8(6):435-437
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) superfamily can regulate the development of primordial germ cell (PGC) and gonocyte. TGF beta, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), activin, inhibin, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), all of which belong to the TGF beta superfamily, can play important roles in male germ cell development. Their downstream signaling molecules, Smads proteins are involved in the signal transduction pathway. In addition, TGF beta and AMH contribute to the apoptosis during development. Understanding this effect will help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the early development of male reproductive system and the pathogenesis of testicular cancer.
