RESUMO
Objective: To investigate the regulation of autophagy by SUMO specific peptidase 3 (SENP3, normally called SUMO specific protease 3) in mouse testis. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used to detect the localization of SENP3 in spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells of testis. Senp3 wild type (Senp3+/+) mice and Senp3 gene knockout heterozygous (Senp3+/-) mice were subjected to starvation treatment to induce autophagy. Testicular tissue proteins were extracted, and the extent of autophagy was detected by Western blotting. The extent of autophagy of Sertoli cells was detected and compared with that of spermatogenic cells in testis by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. Results: SENP3 mainly localized in the nucleus of Sertoli cells. Compared to Senp3+/+ mice, the extent of starvation-induced autophagy in Sertoli cells of Senp3+/- mice increased. Conclusion: SENP3 can inhibit autophagy in Sertoli cells during nutrient deficiency, which may play a role in controlling the extent of autophagy.