Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on
normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program …

Small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous small interfering
RNAs (endo-siRNAs) and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), play essential roles in …

The divergence of distinct cell populations from multipotent progenitors is poorly understood,
particularly in vivo. The gonad is an ideal place to study this process, because it originates …

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that fetal-derived tissue-resident macrophages
have developmental functions. It has been proposed that macrophages promote testicular …

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of the gametes and represent
the founder cells of the germline. Specification of PGCs is a critical divergent point during …

The gonads form bilaterally as bipotential organs that can develop as testes or ovaries. All
secondary sex characteristics that we associate with 'maleness' or 'femaleness' depend on …

In the human embryo, the genetic program that orchestrates germ cell specification involves
the activation of epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms that make the germline a unique …

Sex differentiation is a unique developmental process. Starting from a bipotential gonad, it
gives rise to the ovary and the testis, two highly specialized organs that differ …

The cellular growth cycle is initiated and maintained by punctual, yet agile, regulatory events
involving modifications of cell cycle proteins as well as coordinated gene expression to …

Sertoli cells are supporting cells of the testicular seminiferous tubules, which provide a
nurturing environment for spermatogenesis. Adult Sertoli cells are polarized so that they can …