RiboTag analysis of actively translated mRNAs in Sertoli and Leydig cells in vivo

Analysis of Sertoli and Leydig cell “translatome” utilizing an in vivo ribosome tagging strategy (RiboTag) that allows a detailed and physiologically relevant characterization of the polysome-associated mRNAs in vivo. Although progress has been made in the identification of specific transcripts that are translated in Sertoli and Leydig cells and their response to hormones, efforts to expand these studies have been restricted by technical hurdles. Our analysis identified all previously characterized Leydig and Sertoli cell-specific markers and identified in a comprehensive manner novel markers of Leydig and Sertoli cells; the translational response of these two cell types to gonadotropins or testosterone was also investigated. Leydig cell-specific (Cyp17iCre: RiboTag) and Sertoli cell-specific (AMH-Cre: RiboTag) RiboTag mice were obtained by crossing RiboTag homozygous mice with Cyp17iCre or AMH-Cre mice. For in vivo LH treatment experiments, mice were injected with the GnRH antagonist acyline for 4 days before a single injection of purified human LH. After treatment, testes were homogenized and polysomes were immunoprecipitated by utilizing an anti-HA antibody. RNA was extracted, labelled, and hybridized to Mouse Gene ST 1.0 arrays.