Origin and Quantitative Control of Sertoli Cells

Sertoli cell is the “nurse” in testes that regulates germ cell proliferation and differentiation. One Sertoli cell supports a certain number of germ cells during these processes. Thus, it is the determinant of male reproductive capability. Sertoli cells originate from the primitive gonads during embryonic stage and their proliferations continue throughout the pre-pubertal stage. The proliferation and final density of Sertoli cells in the testis are regulated by hormones and local factors through autocrine, paracrine as well as endocrine methods. In the concise minireview, the most recent progresses in the study of factors and signaling pathways that participate into regulating the proliferation and function of Sertoli cell were summarized.