Assessment of zearalenone-induced cell survival and global gene regulation in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a non-steroidal xenoestrogen mycotoxin produced by many Fusarium fungal species, which are common contaminants of cereal crops destined for worldwide human and animal consumption. ZEA has been linked to various male reproduction problems including decreased fertility potential. In this study, the direct impact of ZEA on the immature Sertoli TM4 cell line was evaluated. Results showed that high concentration of ZEA increase reactive oxygen species via the activation of MAPK signaling. Transcriptome analysis was performed on TM4 cell line treated with ZEA and genes involved in sex differentiation (Fgfr2, Igf1, Notch1, Sox9) and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation (Ctgf, Fam20a, Fbn1, Mmp9, Postn, Sparcl1, Spp1) were identified at the center of the functional protein association network suggesting that ZEA could be detrimental to the early steps of Sertoli cell differentiation. Overall design: 12 samples : 6 controls and 6 treated with Zearalenone