Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) testis proteomics during FSH/PRL stimulations

Newt testis is an appropriate model to isolate germ cells at a specific stage and study the effect of various factors on specific stage of spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis is an essential process for sexual reproduction in development. It is triggered by the sequential mitotic divisions of spermatogonia, followed by their differentiation into spermatocytes. After two meiotic divisions, spermatocytes develop into spermatids, which possess half the normal complement of genetic material, and then into spermatozoa, mature male gametes in many sexually reproducing organisms. This complex process is controlled by cooperation with several hormones and testicular somatic cells, such as Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Prolactin (PRL). They are secreted by the pituitary gland and act on testicular somatic cells, mainly Sertoli cells, through the specific receptor. Sertoli cells have essential roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis. They not only represent the only cellular component of the blood–testis barrier but also produce and secrete local factors to germ cells. In this study, Primary Sertoli cells were established from Newt testis, and analyzed their proteome changes during the stimulation of FSH/PRL by 2D-DIGE (IC-Dyes).