Transcriptome analyses of fetal testicular interstitial cells (W-EGFP) treated with Smoothened Agonist (SAG)

Fetal Leydig cells are essential for masculinization through androgen production during fetal development. Previous studies have indicated that Desert Hedgehog regulates differentiation from progenitor cells. Our previous research showed a significant upregulation of energy metabolism-related genes during fetal Leydig cell differentiation. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unresolved. Here, we reveal that Desert Hedgehog rapidly activates energy metabolisms in testicular interstitial cells (W-EGFP cells) containing fetal Leydig progenitor cells without activating gene expression. Transcriptomes of testicular interstitial cells (W-EGFP cells) from E16.5 FLE-EGFP mice were obtained with or without Smoothened Agonist treatment for 1 hour.