Premium
FEAT enhances INSL3 expression in testicular Leydig cells
Author(s) -
Li Yan,
Kobayashi Kyosuke,
Murayama Kosho,
Kawahara Kohichi,
Shima Yuichi,
Suzuki Akira,
Tani Kenzaburo,
Takahashi Atsushi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
genes to cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1365-2443
pISSN - 1356-9597
DOI - 10.1111/gtc.12644
Subject(s) - biology , gene knockdown , leydig cell , endocrinology , downregulation and upregulation , medicine , immunohistochemistry , carcinogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , cell culture , hormone , gene , luteinizing hormone , immunology , biochemistry , genetics
FEAT, the protein encoded by methyltransferase‐like 13 ( METTL13 ), is aberrantly upregulated in most human cancers and potently drives tumorigenesis in vivo; however, its role in normal tissues remains elusive. Immunoblotting has displayed weak FEAT expression in normal human tissues, including the testis. Here, we found that FEAT is expressed in fetal and adult Leydig cells in the testis. FEAT knockdown using siRNA increased primary cilia formation in MA‐10 Leydig tumor cells, accompanied by enhanced 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Immunofluorescence analyses of FEAT‐silenced MA‐10 cells showed diminished insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) expression. A male Mettl13 +/− mouse developed bilateral intraabdominal cryptorchidism, suggesting defective INSL3 production by fetal Leydig cells. Leydig cells from the mouse showed markedly decreased INSL3 protein by immunohistochemistry. Together, these results suggest that FEAT facilitates the INSL3 production in testicular Leydig cells that is essential for transabdominal testis migration.