The Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Contributes to cAMP-Induced Steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig Cells

Leydig cells produce androgens which are essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive functions. Steroidogenesis, as well as expression of several genes in Leydig cells, are stimulated by LH/cAMP and repressed by AMP/AMPK. One of those genes is Plau, which codes for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a secreted serine protease. The role of uPA and the regulation of Plau expression in Leydig cells remain unknown. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown, uPA was required for maximal cAMP-induced STAR and steroid hormone production in MA-10 Leydig cells. Analysis of Plau mRNA levels and promoter activity revealed that its expression is strongly induced by cAMP; this induction is blunted by AMPK. The cAMP-responsive region was located, in part, in the proximal Plau promoter that contains a species-conserved GC box at −56 bp. The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) activated the Plau promoter. Mutation of the GC box at −56 bp abolished KLF6-mediated activation and significantly reduced cAMP-induced Plau promoter activity. These data define a role for uPA in Leydig cell steroidogenesis and provide insights into the regulation of Plau gene expression in these cells