Nuclear Export Factor 3 is involved in regulating the expression of TGF-{beta}3 in an mRNA export activity-independent manner in mouse Sertoli cells

In this study, we found that mouse NXF3, specifically expressed in principal cells in segment II of the caput epididymis, as well as Sertoli cells in the mouse testis, was required to mediate TGF-β-induced down-regulation of TGF-β3 mRNA expression and protein secretion in Sertoli cells. In addition, NXF3 was also involved in TGF-β-induced transcriptional regulation of other genes associated with Sertoli cell maturation and the restructuring of the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB), such as GATA1, WT1, Claudin11, and p21. The transcriptional regulation of NXF3 was mediated through physical interaction with serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), where NXF3 inhibited the complex formation among Smad7, STRAP and activated type I TGF-β receptor. Taken together, our data provide mechanistic insights into the roles of NXF3 in TGF-β-mediated expression of TGF-β3 and other genes. NXF3 may be implicated in Sertoli cell maturation and the extensive restructuring of the Sertoli cell BTB.

Source: BJ Gene - February 25, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Y Yin, G Wang, N Liang, H Zhang, Z Liu, W Li, F Sun Tags: BJ Signal Source Type: research