MOUSE: SOMATIC CELL PLASTICITY

Leydig cells are a quiescent cell type, and not thought to divide under normal conditions in the testis. Several weeks after chemical injury, new Leydig cells repopulate the testis. Our work has determined that a subpopulation of interstitial somatic cells contribute to the regeneration of Leydig cells. The Matunis lab uses advanced microscopy and genomic techniques to determine the progenitor cell identity and the molecular cues necessary for Leydig cell regeneration.