Differential transcrpitome analysis of Sertoli cells during their phases of postnatal maturation in rat testes

Spermatogenesis is a complex process involving multiple cells and cellular signals. Among all other cells, Sertoli cells (Sc) are absolutely indispensable for sperm production because they provide biochemical signal and physical support to developing germ cells in the testis. Sc drastically transform during the process of attainment of reproductive maturity. Stage specific gene expression by Sc, supplement for the changing need of developing germ cells. A conspicuous absence of comprehensive gene expression data from various stages of developing Sertoli cells hinders our knowledge of regulating inputs necessary for the process of spermatogenesis.精子发生（Spermatogenesis）是一类涉及多种细胞及细胞信号通路的复杂生物学过程。在睾丸的各类细胞中，支持细胞（Sertoli cells，缩写Sc）是精子生成的绝对必需组分，其可为发育中的生殖细胞提供生物化学信号与物理支撑。支持细胞在生殖成熟的进程中会发生显著的形态与功能转变。支持细胞的阶段特异性基因表达，可适配发育中生殖细胞不断变化的需求。然而，目前显著缺乏发育不同阶段支持细胞的全面基因表达数据，这极大阻碍了我们对精子发生过程所需必要调控因素的深入理解。