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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
14:01
Isolation and Derivation of Mouse Embryonic Germinal Cells
Published on: October 22, 2009
Germ cells and pluripotent stem cells in the mouse
1Wellcome/CRC Institute, University of Cambridge, UK. a.mclaren@welc.cam.ac.uk
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|May 10, 2002
Summary
Researchers successfully cultured mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) long-term by adding three growth factors, creating embryonic germ (EG) cell lines. These EG cells demonstrated pluripotency, similar to embryonic stem cells, and could colonize all lineages in chimeras.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Long-term culture of mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) was previously unsuccessful.
- Addition of individual growth factors did not support indefinite PGC proliferation.
- Simultaneous addition of three specific growth factors enabled sustained PGC proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize new embryonic germ (EG) cell lines from mouse PGCs at different developmental stages.
- To investigate the developmental potential of these novel EG cell lines in vitro and in vivo.
- To compare the characteristics of EG cells with their PGC precursors.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of EG cell lines from PGCs at 9.5 and 11.5 days post coitum (dpc), including transgene-carrying cells (LacZ or GFP).
- Assessment of developmental potential through in vitro embryoid body formation, in vivo chimera analysis, and organ culture of tissue aggregates.
- Comparative analysis of gene expression and cellular behavior between EG cells and PGCs.
Main Results:
- Successful establishment of new EG cell lines from migrating and genital ridge-invading PGCs.
- Demonstrated pluripotency of EG cells, evidenced by embryoid body formation and germline colonization in chimeras.
- Identified similarities and differences in gene expression and cell behavior between EG cells and PGCs.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous application of three growth factors is crucial for establishing pluripotent EG cell lines from mouse PGCs.
- Newly derived EG cell lines possess significant developmental potential, comparable to embryonic stem cells.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the observed distinctions between EG cells and PGCs in terms of gene expression and behavior.
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