Research progress in the male reproduction mediated by FSH receptor of Sertoli cells
10.3760/cma.j.cn101441-20241125-00437
- VernacularTitle:支持细胞FSH受体介导男性生殖调节及其研究进展
- Author:
Bei ZHANG
1
;
Xiaoyu YANG
1
;
Yugui CUI
1
Author Information
1. 南京医科大学第一附属医院生殖医学中心，南京 210029
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor;
Sertoli cell;
Infertility, male;
Polymorphism, single nucleotide;
Spermatogenesis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception
2025;45(3):290-294
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is exclusively expressed in Sertoli cells within the testis. Mediated by FSHR, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the proliferation and maturation of immature Sertoli cells via the cAMP/PKA, mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways. Simultaneously, FSH and androgen collaboratively regulate spermatogenesis in a synergistic manner. Given these physiological mechanisms, mutations in the FSHβ subunit frequently result in azoospermia; activating mutations in FSHR enable spermatogenesis to bypass FSH restrictions; while inactivating mutations in FSHR can impair male spermatogenesis. The association between FSHR single nucleotide polymorphisms and male infertility is influenced by gene locus and ethnicity, leading to inconsistent conclusions. This article highlights the profound significance of FSHR modulators for future infertility diagnosis and treatment, while also presenting a potential new avenue for male contraception.
