Fig. 6

Model for estrogen regulation of SOX9 in Sertoli cells. a In a normal Sertoli cell SOX9 increases expression of itself and its downstream targets AMH, FGF9, PTGDS by translocating from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. PGD2 facilitates the nuclear entry of SOX9, while FGF9 inhibits WNT4 and there is no expression of FOXL2. b Exogenous estrogen (E) blocks SOX9 nuclear entry, increasing the amount of SOX9 in the cytoplasm and preventing activation of downstream SOX9 targets. Activated estrogen receptors (ERs) repress SOX9 transcription and promote expression of WNT4 and FOXL2. WNT4 subsequently inhibits FGF9