FIG. 9.

Knock down of Usf mRNAs results in decreased expression of Fshr and Shbg target genes. Sertoli cells cultured from 5- and 11-day-old rats were transfected with no siRNA (CONTROL) or with siRNAs against Usf1, Usf2, or Usf1 and Usf2 (Usf1/2). The mRNA was isolated for analysis by qPCR using primers for the USF target genes Fshr (A and B), Gata4 (C and D), Nr5a1 (E and F), or Shbg (G and H). The Usf siRNA-induced changes in target gene mRNA levels relative to that after transfection with control (set equal to one) are provided. The results are shown as the mean ± SEM for three to five transfection experiments. Values with different lowercase letters differ significantly (P < 0.05).