Expression of p63 in the testis of mouse embryos.

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.