Expression of Caspase-3 and retinoblastoma-1 in the rat gonocytes and their possible participation in the quiescence of these cells

• Grant number: 12/02400-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Embryology
• Principal Investigator: Taiza Stumpp Teixeira
• Grantee: Priscila Henriques da Silva
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The normal embryonic differentiation of the male germ cell is fundamental for the establishment of spermatogenesis and, consequently, for the correct formation of the sperm. After their specification and migration, the primordial germ cells are called gonocytes. The gonocytes proliferate for a short period of time and then become quiescent. These stages of their development are crucial and problems at these stages can affect sex determination and lead to germ cell tumors. Although it has been shown that these processes are important for germ cell development, there are many controversies about the precise moment when they take place, especially in rats. In a previous study, our group showed that rats and mice exhibit considerable differences concerning germ cell development, which lead us to conclude that both species must be studied in order to obtain more precise information about their development in mammals. In addition, the description of the gonocyte development is important to comprehend the formation of the spermatogonial stem cells. Thus, the aim of this project is to describe the periods of quiescence and proliferation of the rat gonocyte.(AU)