Snail transcription factors in testis health and pathologies

The incidence of male infertility and testicular cancer is increasing. A series of cellular transformations leads to sperm production, however the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Snail family members promote cellular changes during normal development and in cancer, however their functions in the testis is unknown. This study examined Snails expression and functions in mouse testis and testicular cancer. By demonstrating that loss of a Snail molecule impairs sperm production in mice, and revealing that Snails promote testicular cancer cell migration and survival in vitro, we are a step closer to understanding the mechanisms that cause infertility and cancer.