Proliferation and functional maturation of Sertoli cells, and their relevance to disorders of testis function in adulthood

Abstract Disorders of testicular function may have their origins in fetal or early life as a result of abnormal development or proliferation of Sertoli cells. Failure of Sertoli cells to mature, with consequent inability to express functions capable of supporting spermatogenesis, is a prime example. In a similar way, failure of Sertoli cells to proliferate normally at the appropriate period in life will result in reduced production of spermatozoa in adulthood. This review focuses on the control of proliferation of Sertoli cells and functional maturation, and is motivated by concerns about 'testicular dysgenesis syndrome' in humans, a collection of common disorders (testicular germ-cell cancer, cryptorchidism,…