Abstract
Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a polypeptide growth factor with various biological activities. Recent studies have shown that this growth factor and they receptors are expressed in human Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and sperm cells after birth, and are involved in the endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis. However, there is no report on the expression of TGF-β in human embryonic testis. TGF-β1 is a peptide growth factor widely distributed in germ cells at various levels in the testis, regulating the function of the testes and maintaining the stability of the testis environment by acting on various cells. This review summarizes the research progress of TGF-β1 in human testis.
Keywords:
transforming growth factor β1; TGF-β1; testicular genesis; biological functions; polypeptide growth