The 15P-1 cell line was established from testicular cells of transgenic mice that express the large T protein of polyoma virus (PyLT) in the seminiferous epithelium. Ref Paquis-Flucklinger V, et al. Expression in transgenic mice of the large T antigen of polyomavirus induces Sertoli cell tumours and allows the establishment of differentiated cell lines. Oncogene 8: 2087-2094, 1993. PubMed: 8393161
This line exhibits characteristics of Sertoli cells, including transcription of the Wilms' tumor (WT1) and Steel genes. Ref Rassoulzadegan M, et al. Transmeiotic differentiation of male germ cells in culture. Cell 75: 997-1006, 1993. PubMed: 7504588
15P-1 cultures express phagocytic activity evidenced by the internalization of latex beads and the disposal of dead cells. Interaction with germ cells enhances the phagocytic activity of 15P-1 cells. Ref Grandjean V, et al. Stage-specific signals in germ line differentiation: control of Sertoli cell phagocytic activity by spermatogenic cells. Dev. Biol. 184: 165-174, 1997. PubMed: 9142992
The cells support the meiotic and postmeiotic differentiation in cocultures of diploid premeiotic germ cells into haploid spermatids expressing the protamine (Prm-1) gene. Ref Rassoulzadegan M, et al. Transmeiotic differentiation of male germ cells in culture. Cell 75: 997-1006, 1993. PubMed: 7504588
When cocultured with 15P-1 cells, testicular cells explanted from immature 9-day-old animals, before the onset of the first meiosis, generate tetrads of haploid cells with the morphology of round spermatids and initiate protamine transcription. Ref Rassoulzadegan M, et al. Transmeiotic differentiation of male germ cells in culture. Cell 75: 997-1006, 1993. PubMed: 7504588
The 15P-1 cell line releases protease-sensitive material with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The activity of 15P-1 culture medium is increased 10-fold to 50-fold in the presence of fractions enriched in round spermatids and of nerve growth factor. Ref Grandjean V, et al. Antimicrobial protection of the mouse testis: synthesis of defensins of the cryptdin family. Biol. Reprod. 57: 1115-1122, 1997. PubMed: 9369178
The KL protein, a ligand of the Kit receptor, is expressed in Sertoli cells and in 15P-1 cells. Ref Vincent S, et al. Stage-specific expression of the Kit receptor and its ligand (KL) during male gametogenesis in the mouse: a Kit-KL interaction critical for meiosis. Development 125: 4585-4593, 1998. PubMed: 9778516 |