CSN6 and Rab34 are involved in androgen receptor trafficking in mouse testicular sertoli cells

Abstract

Background/Aims: Androgen and its receptor (AR) play an important role in maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. Our previous studies showed that testosterone at a physiological concentration induces cytoplasmic AR translocation to the Sertoli cell plasma membrane of within 5 minutes. Methods: In this study, mass spectrometry (MS) and bioinformatic analyses were applied to identify candidate proteins mediating AR trafficking. The candidate proteins were knocked down by shRNA transfection. Results: Nine candidate proteins were identified by MS. The data was verified by co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot. Of the candidates, CSN6 regulated AR transport through the phosphorylation signaling pathway and Rab34 affected AR trafficking by regulating Ras activity. Conclusions: CSN6 and Rab34 are involved in AR trafficking by regulating the phosphorylation signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into the testosterone signaling pathway in Sertoli cells that mediates spermatogenesis.