<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the stage-specific
localization of
metastasis -associated
protein 1 (MTA1) during
spermatogenesis in
adult human and
mouse testis .</p><p><b>
METHODS </b>The immunolocalization of MTA1 was studied by
immunohistochemistry and
Western blot analysis . The distribution pattern of MTA1 in
mouse testis was confirmed by using
quantitative analysis of purified spermatogenic
cells .</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The
specificity of polyclonal antibody was confirmed by
Western blot analysis . MTA1 was found expressed in the nucleus of
germ cells , except elongate
spermatids , and in the
cytoplasm of
Sertoli cells ;
Leydig cells did not show any specific reactivity. MTA1 possessed different distribution patterns in the two species in
humans , the most intensive
staining was found in the nucleus of round
spermatids and of primary
spermatocytes while in
mice , the most intense MTA1
staining was in the nucleus of leptotene, zygotene and pachytene
spermatocytes . In both species the
staining exhibited a cyclic pattern.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present
communication initially provides new evidence for the potential
role of MTA1 in mature
testis . In addition, its distinctive expression in
germ cells suggests a regulatory
role of the
peptide during
spermatogenesis .</p>