Chengzi Huang

Dr. Chengzi Huang


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 November 2025 in Cells
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KXKe Xu
Ke Xu
丰孙丰泽 孙
丰泽 孙
YHYuwei Hu
Yuwei Hu
NHNing Hou
Ning Hou
SWShan Wang
Shan Wang
CHChengzi Huang
Chengzi Huang
Infertility affects about 17.5% of couples, with male factors accounting for approximately 50% of cases. Cytoskeletal remodeling is increasingly recognized as a critical component of male reproductive function, particularly in the regulation of testosterone synthesis by Leydig cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase (ROCK), a key cytoskeletal regulator, influences actin dynamics, impacting intracellular trafficking. In this study, we investigated the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in Leydig cells using the TM3 cell model. Pharmacological inhibition of ROCK activity with Y-27632 impaired actin cytoskeleton organization, reduced the phosphorylation of LIMK, COFILIN, and MLC2, and disrupted the colocalization of F-actin with StAR and cholesterol, thereby decreasing testosterone production. Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that hCG promotes transcription of steroidogenesis-related genes, while ROCK inhibition reverses this effect. Silencing of ROCK1 via siRNA mimicked the effects of ROCK-i, suppressing steroidogenic gene expression and testosterone synthesis. In contrast, ROCK2 knockdown enhanced testosterone secretion, promoted F-actin remodeling, and increased traffic of cholesterol targeting mitochondria. These opposing effects triggered distinct responses in the SCAP–SREBP2 axis, indicating a feedback mechanism regulating cholesterol homeostasis. Collectively, our findings uncover the isoform-specific roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics and steroidogenic activity, providing new insights into the regulation of male reproductive endocrinology and identifying potential therapeutic targets for androgen deficiency and male infertility.

28 July 2026 in Reproductive Toxicology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
QLQianni Li
Qianni Li
YYYang Yang
Yang Yang
DJDanni Jiang
Danni Jiang
XHXiaojuan Han
Xiaojuan Han
JLJiena Li
Jiena Li
ZFZhihao Fan
Zhihao Fan