Fig. 6. Sertoli cell markers are not significantly different in
RosaNotch; Sf1-cre gonads, but markers of
differentiated Leydig cells are significantly downregulated. mRNA was
isolated from a single pair of mouse gonads, and expression was compared by
Q-RT-PCR between RosaNotch; Sf1-cre and wild-type
gonads, normalized to Hprt. Sertoli cell-specific genes were similar
(Sox9, Dhh, Pdgfa and Ptgds) or significantly downregulated
(Amh) relative to normal expression levels (P=0.0534,
0.7942, 0.964, 0.4774 and 0.0323, respectively). Two differentiated Leydig
cell genes, Scc and Cyp17a1, were significantly decreased in
the mutant testis (P=0.0057, 0.00460). Interstitial markers, Arx,
Pdgfra and Ptch1, were similar to wild type, while Lhx9
was significantly increased in RosaNotch; Sf1-cre
gonads (P=0.0881, 0.2915, 0.5526 and 0.0212, respectively). NICD was
significantly upregulated as expected. Data presented are mean±s.e.m.
of Q-RT-PCR results from a total of four independent pairs of mutant and
control gonad samples (each sample repeated at least three times for each
gene).