About this Research Topic

Background

Hormones produced by the fetal testis are responsible for shaping the male phenotype, as shown by Alfred Jost during the last century. Testosterone, produced by fetal Leydig cells, maintains Wolffian ducts and masculinize external genitalia. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted by Sertoli cells presides over the regression of Müllerian ducts while another Leydig-cell peptide, INSL3, induces testicular descent to the scrotum. Receptors for these hormones have been identified and detected on the target organs. The genes coding for steroidogenic enzymes, hormones, and receptors have been cloned, transgenic mouse lines have been created. Altogether, a solid foundation exists on which to build future research.

This Research Topic addresses questions that have arisen recently concerning the synthesis and function of fetal testicular hormones. Issues such as cryptorchidism, that have been debated for years, have not been included. Although similar hormones are produced by gonads of both sexes, ovarian hormones have been excluded from consideration. Regulation is one of the issues addressed by the proposal and encompasses interaction between different hormones and the influence of growth factors. Environmental disrupters and drugs impact testicular development and function and are implicated in the rising incidence of congenital genital malformations and cancer. A rewarding line of research explores the action of fetal testicular hormones on non-classical target organs. Marsupials and non-mammalian species are useful in this regard since function and preferred biosynthetic pathways of conserved molecules have changed during evolution. Looking to the future, molecular engineering can teach old hormones new tricks.

This Research Topic will provide a comprehensive overview on the physiology of fetal testicular hormones. We welcome review, mini-review, and original research articles covering, but not limited to, the following topics related to fetal testicular hormones:
• Vertebrate non-mammalian species, marsupials
• Humans, non-human primates and mammalian species
• Molecular biology
• Epigenetics
• Mechanisms of action
• Regulation of hormone synthesis, secretion or action

*Cover image used with permission of artist, Glenn D'Hondt; 'Eugene & Louise’

Keywords: Theme: Fetal Testicular Hormones Leydig, Sertoli, testosterone, AMH, fetus

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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