Open AccessCox7a2 mediates steroidogenesis in TM3 mouse Ley dig cells
Author(s) -
Chen Liang,
Xin ZhongCheng,
Li Xin,
Tian Long,
Yuan YiMing,
Liu Gang,
Jiang XueJun,
Guo YingLu
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
asian journal of andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1745-7262
pISSN - 1008-682X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00178.x
Subject(s) - transfection , leydig cell , complementary dna , microbiology and biotechnology , western blot , testosterone (patch) , biology , steroidogenic acute regulatory protein , luteinizing hormone , cell culture , chemistry , medicine , gene expression , endocrinology , gene , hormone , biochemistry , genetics
Aim : To investigate the regulatory function of Cox7a2 on steroidogenesis and the mechanism involved in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Methods : The cDNA of Cox7a2 was cloned from TM3 mouse Leydig cells. It was subcloned to pDsRed‐Express‐N1 and transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells for Cox7a2 overexpression by transient gene transfection. Steroidogenesis affected by overexpressed Cox7a2 was studied by ELISA. To elicit the mechanism of this effect, expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined by Western blot and fluorometer, respectively. Results : The cDNA of Cox7a2 (249 bp) was cloned from Leydig cells and confirmed by DNA sequencing. After constructed pDsRed‐Express‐N1‐Cox7a2 was transfected back into TM3 mouse Leydig cells, Cox7a2 inhibited not only luteinizing hormone (LH)‐induced secretion of testosterone but also the expression of StAR protein. At the same time, Cox7a2 increased the activity of ROS in TM3 mouse Leydig cells. Conclusion : Cox7a2 inhibited LH‐induced StAR protein expression, and consequent testosterone production, at least in part, by increasing ROS activity in TM3 mouse Leydig cells.