Expression pattern of estrogen receptors α and β and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in the human testis

Abstract

Estrogen signaling is considered to play an important role in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and male fertility. Estrogens can act via the two nuclear estrogen receptors ESR1 (ERα) and ESR2 (ERβ) or via the intracellular G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, formerly GPR30). Several reports on the localization and expression of all three receptors in the human testis have been published but are controversial particularly in case of ERα. Contrary to previous studies, we decided therefore to evaluate expression of all three receptors in the testis by a number of different methods and in comparison with MCF-7 cells. Using qPCR, we could show that mRNA expression of ERα is considerably lower and expression of ERβ and GPER much higher in the testis than in MCF-7 cells. RT-PCR after laser-assisted microdissection of tubular and interstitial compartments from normal and Sertoli cell only syndrome testes plus in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses of the same samples demonstrated that there is very low expression of ERα in germ cells and in single interstitial cells, very high expression of ERβ in germ cells and Sertoli cells and high expression of GPER in interstitial cells and less in Sertoli cells.

Interactions between oestrogen and 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 signalling and their roles in spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions

“…1a). These results are in part different from data on GPER gene expression, which was observed weakly in Sertoli cells and higher in interstitial cells [6]. The GPER protein of 42 KDa was retrieved on human spermatozoa, in the mid-piece (Fig.…”

“…1a; for review [1, 4, 5]). Recently, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry experiments on human testis confirmed ESR1 and ESR2 expression in germ cells, ESR1 expression in interstitial cells and ESR2 expression in Sertoli cells [6]. In addition, some variants have been found.…”

Effects of Elevated β-Estradiol Levels on the Functional Morphology of the Testis - New Insights

“…The primary source of this hormone is from the aromatization of testosterone1. Estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ), together with the membrane associated G-protein-coupled functional ER (GPER), and the enzyme cytochrome P450 aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen, are abundant within the testis234. Estradiol is produced in immature germ cells, spermatozoa, in the epithelium of the efferent ductules and the proximal epididymal duct and in the Leydig cells and Sertoli cells56789.…”

Gestational form of Selenium in Free-Choice Mineral Mixes Affects Transcriptome Profiles of the Neonatal Calf Testis, Including those of Steroidogenic and Spermatogenic Pathways

“…In the human testis, both ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein have been localized to the germ cells (ERβ>ERα), ERβ but not ERα localized to the sertoli cells, and mRNA for the intracellular G-protein-couple estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) as well as ERα protein (but not mRNA) localized to the interstitial cells. Overall, these authors reported that RT-PCR analysis indicated that germ cell expression of ERα is weak, that sertoli cell expression of ERβ is moderate, and that interstitial cell expression of GPER is strong, with their in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses confirming ERα and ERβ in germ cells, ERβ and GPER in Sertoli cells, and GPER in interstitial (leydig) cells [52]. Continuing with the human testis, androgen receptor (AR) protein is predominantly localized to the sertoli cells, with the level of expression for this receptor dependent upon the stage of the spermatogenic cycle [53].…”