Role and mechanism of action of nuclear receptors in steroidogenesis

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Testicular Leydig cells are the main testosterone-producing cells in the male. These cells are indispensable for the proper development of external male genitalia, sex accessory glands, increased muscle mass, as well as production of mature sperm. Leydig cell function is tightly controlled by the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). LH binds to its receptor located on the surface of Leydig cells thus triggering activation of the several intracellular signaling pathways (the main one being the cAMP) leading to increased gene expression and steroidogenesis. The transcription factors downstream of these signaling pathways and their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Therefore, the goal of the present research program is to