PARP-I and p53 expression in Sertoli cell during rat ontogenesis

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase-I (PARP-I), a nuclear I I 3-kDa Zinc-finger protein, catalyze poly ADP-ribosilation reactions and is involved in many physiological and pathological conditions such as cell differentation and proliferation, transcriptional events, carcinogenesis and apoptosis. Sertoli cells are essential for reproduction, providing germ cells with nutrients and hormonal signals. Poly ADP-ribosylation has been well studied during sperm cell maturation but the role of such reactions at the Sertoli cell level remains unknown. In the present work we analyzed the expression of PARP-I during the postnatal differentiation of Sertoli cells isolated from rat testis. We compared PART-I expression with that of p53, whose activity is modulated by poly ADP-ribosylation. Quantitative RT-PCR technique was employed. Our data demonstrate for the first time PART-I expression in rat Sertoli cell both in the neonatal and peripubertal period. p53 expression pattern was found opposite to that of PART-I, suggesting that PART-I is possibility in charge for protecting the developing Sertoli cells when the activity of p53 lowers.