Brown University

Gene Networks in Peri-Pubertal Sertoli Cell Injury

Mary Hixon, Ph.D.
Mary_Hixon@brown.edu

Project Description

This grant studies the comparisons of the impact of several Sertoli cell toxicants on peri-pubertal development of the testis. It also intends to identify the signaling networks associated with Sertoli cell toxicant-induced injury. The project will explore the hypothesis that the Akt gene family plays a critical role in pre-pubertal testis development and that toxicants, which target the Sertoli cell at this developmental window, provide a crucial link between the environment and the etiology of male reproductive disease. The research will aim to define critical signaling networks targeted by peri-pubertal reproductive toxicants and delineate how they impact male reproductive health.