Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process occurring in mammalian testes, and constant sperm production depends on the exact regulation of the microenvironment in the testes. Many studies have indicated the crucial role of blood–testis barrier (BTB) junctions and retinoic acid (RA) signaling in the spermatogenesis process. The BTB consists of junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells, comprised mainly of tight junctions and gap junctions. In vitamin A-deficient mice, halted spermatogenesis could be rebooted by RA or vitamin A administration, indicating that RA is absolutely required for spermatogenesis. Accordingly, this manuscript will review and discuss how RA and the BTB regulate spermatogenesis and the interaction between RA signaling and BTB function.
Highlights
Spermatogenesis is a highly organized and complex process
This review has summarized the functions of periodic assembly of the blood–testis barrier (BTB) in the seminiferous epithelium cycle and the production and pulsatile change of retinoic acid (RA) in crucial steps of the spermatogenesis process
We summarized the interaction between RA signaling and BTB functions in the present article
Summary
Spermatogenesis is a highly organized and complex process. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) differentiate into spermatozoa in a cyclical process, and this seminiferous epithelial cycle can produce sperm continuously [1]. The disruption of BTB junctions will cause male infertility because germ cells will fail to cross from the basal to the adluminal compartment and will be stalled in an undifferentiated state [11]. ScaleBbTaBr: i2s0d0iμsamss.embled to allow germ cell differentiation in the adluminal compartment and enters the meiosis process. The BTB can limit the diffusion of substances and prevent germ cells from immune cSeelrlstoilni cthelel-cSiercrutolalitoceryll ainntderpaecrtiipohnesrfaolrimmma uconme spylsetxemnestw[9o,1r0k].wTihthe ddiisrreucpt tjuionnctoifons, that BTBajulsnoctailolnoswwtihllectaruasnesmmaislseiionnfeorftimlityolbeeccualuasresiggenrmalsc.eTllhs ewBilTl fBairlitgoidcrlyoscsofmropmarthtme beanstaallizes the to thseeamdilunmifeinroaul csoemppitahretmliuenmt ainndtowbilalsbael satnaldledapinicaanl uconmdipffaerrtemnteianttesd[s1t5a]t.e [S1p1e].rTmhaetBoTgBonia and can pbererleegputolatteendebsypevramrioautoscsyigtensarliensgidpeaitnhwthaeysb,aasnadl croetminpoaicrtamciedn(tR. Cells 2022, 11, 352 and initiate meiosis [16] This transformation process requires junction disassembly in stages VII–VIII of the spermatogenic cycle, and new junctions must be subsequently assembled to maintain BTB function [17]. JAM, junctional adhesion molecule; CAR, coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor; MMP, matrix metallopoteinase, ZO, zonula occludens
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