Cell markers of spermatogenesis in mammalian (p63 and tACE)

Correspondence: Donika Dimova Institute of Expeimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl., 25, BG-1113, Sofia, Bulgaria. Tel.: +359 2 972336 e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Spermatogenesis is a complex process by which spermatogonial stem cells selfrenew and differentiate into spermatozoa under the elaborate coordination of testicular microenvironment. Sertoli cells (SC) are the most critical component of regular development of spermatogenesis. SC expressed various cellular markers specific for their development stages. In contrast GC do not expressed cellular makers which is an obstacle for investigation of GC development and differentiation. Data about expression of p63 protein in the testicular cell during pre and postnatal periods is quite limited. Our study revealed stage specific pattern of expression of p63 proteins in spermatocytes later than middle pachytene stage of meiosis during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. P63 is suggested to have clinical importance playing a role in preventing testicular lesions. Another cellular marker tACE is germ cell specific isoform that is important for male fertility. This isoform is expressed in germ cells during spermiogenesis and tACE is localized only in elongating spermatids and spermatozoa. Immunohistochemical analysis in our studies revealed stage-specific pattern of tACE expression in postmeiotic germ cells in rat testis. Changes in the expression of tACE were reported in some pathological conditions.