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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: January 11, 2019

The molecular mechanisms regulating germ cell development and potential.

Yasuhisa Matsui¹

¹Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan. ymatsui@idac.tohoku.ac.jp

Journal of Andrology

|October 31, 2009

Summary

Mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) require cell interactions and Oct3/4 transcription factor for specification. PGCs can also revert to pluripotent stem cells via specific signaling pathways.

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Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: January 11, 2019

Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency

Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency

Published on: August 6, 2014

Area of Science:

Developmental biology
Stem cell biology
Genetics

Background:

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are crucial for reproduction and development.
Cellular interactions and transcription factors regulate PGC fate determination and differentiation.
Understanding PGC development is key to reproductive health and regenerative medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying mouse PGC specification and differentiation.
To identify key factors involved in PGC development and their regulatory elements.
To explore the potential of PGCs to dedifferentiate into pluripotent stem cells.

Main Methods:

Analysis of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions.
Investigating the role of transcription factor Oct3/4 in PGC specification.
Studying regulatory sequences controlling PGC-specific gene expression (e.g., mil-1).
Examining signaling pathways involved in PGC dedifferentiation into stem cells.

Main Results:

E-cadherin-mediated cell interaction and Oct3/4 are essential for PGC specification.
Germ cell-conserved regulatory sequences in the 5' flanking region control mil-1 gene expression.
PGCs retain the potential to convert into pluripotent stem cells under specific signaling conditions.

Conclusions:

Mouse PGC development is regulated by a combination of extracellular cues and intrinsic transcriptional factors.
Specific gene regulatory mechanisms govern PGC development and mil-1 expression.
PGCs represent a potential source for generating pluripotent stem cells, offering avenues for therapeutic applications.