Fig. 2

mRNA and protein expression of germ cell (GC)-related markers in the testis of male SD rats, TM4 cells, and ADMSCs from different culture groups. a Expression of genes on the testis of male SD rats, ADMSCs, and TM4 cells by RT-PCR. b Describing the trend of male germ cell-related markers expression in co-cultured ADMSCs giving rise to male germ-like cells (MGLCs) process. The expression of genes, including Stella, Ddx4, Dazl, Piwil2, and ITGα6, reached peaks at 21 days, while genes, such as Oct4, PGP9.5, and Stra8, reached peaks at 14 days and then downregulated. c, d Relative genes and protein expression in induced ADMSCs from three modes by qRT-PCR and western blotting on differentiated 21 days, c mRNA; d protein; individual induction (white bar), indirect co-culture with TM4 cells (black bar), and direct co-culture with TM4 cells (gray bar). Bar graphs represent mean ± SD (n = 3 per group). The results are presented as a mean ± SEM of three duplicate runs. Error bars in charts represent the corresponding standard deviations. Y-axis indicated the relative mRNA value normalized to induced ADMSCs from DM group mRNA level (white bar). Different letters on the bar graph indicate significant differences between the groups at the 0.05 level (n = 3)