Journal de la science cellulaire et de la thérapie
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Expression Pattern of OCT-4 and PLZF Transcription Factors during the Early Events of Spermatogenesis in Mice

Alhad Ashok Ketkar and K.V.R. Reddy

Spermatogenesis in mice is typically characterized by self-renewal and proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which further give rise to mature sperm. The process of SSC self-renewal is regulated by number of genes. Oct-4 (POU family transcription factor) and Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (Plzf) transcription factors are very well characterized and are known markers of undifferentiated spermatgonia. They are essential for self-renewal but their pattern of expression during the early events of spermatogenesis in mice has not been reported. Using real time PCR and Western blot we demonstrate marked increase in the expression of Oct-4 and Plzf in the testes of 10 days post partum (dpp) mice compared to 5 dpp both at the transcription and translation levels. The expression was found to be maximum in 10 dpp, declined in 20 dpp and was least in the testes of 35 dpp mice. However, our Immunohistochemistry (IHC) data showed the expression of OCT-4 & PLZF in the undifferentiated spermatogonia of 5, 10 & 20 dpp testes while in the testes of 35 dpp mice expression was seen in the undifferentiated as well as in differentiated spermatogonia. In conclusion, the present study reveals the expression pattern of Oct-4 and Plzf in the early stages of spermatogenesis of mice which sets the basis of spermatogenesis process in adults