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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay for Tissue-specific Genes using Early-stage Mouse Embryos
Published on: April 29, 2011
Expression of p63 in the testis of mouse embryos
Nobuaki Nakamuta1, Shigeru Kobayashi
1First Department of Oral Anatomy, Kyushu Dental College, Manazuru Kokurakita, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Abstract:
Apoptosis of testicular germ cells during fetal development is regulated by both p53-dependent and independent mechanisms. However, its precise mechanisms are largely unknown. A member of p53 gene family, p63, is required for p53-dependent apoptosis and can induce apoptosis in the absence of p53 through the activation of p53-target genes. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of p63 in the mouse testis from embryonic day (E) 13.5 to E18.5 to clarify their possible role in the regulation of germ cell apoptosis. Immunostaining for p63 was found in the nucleus of germ cells at E13.5, and continuously observed until E18.5. The RT-PCR using specific primers for two p63 isotypes, those containing the transactivation domain and others not, showed that both transcripts were expressed in the fetal gonads. Possible roles of p63 in the embryonic testes were discussed.
Insights
The p63 protein is present in mouse fetal testes, suggesting its role in regulating germ cell apoptosis. This study investigated p63 expression during embryonic development to understand its function in testicular apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Testicular germ cell apoptosis during fetal development is crucial for male fertility.
- While p53-dependent and independent pathways regulate this process, precise mechanisms remain unclear.
- The p63 gene, a p53 family member, is implicated in apoptosis regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of p63 in mouse testes during embryonic development (E13.5-E18.5).
- To clarify the potential role of p63 in regulating germ cell apoptosis in fetal testes.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect p63 protein expression in fetal mouse testes.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to analyze p63 transcript expression, including different isotypes.
Main Results:
- p63 protein was detected in the nucleus of germ cells from embryonic day 13.5 to 18.5.
- Both p63 transcripts, with and without the transactivation domain, were expressed in fetal gonads.
Conclusions:
- p63 is expressed throughout critical stages of mouse fetal testicular development.
- The expression pattern suggests a significant role for p63 in the regulation of germ cell apoptosis during embryogenesis.
