Immunomagnetic purification of murine primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) play essential roles in both reproduction and development. In this chapter, we describe a method used in our laboratory for the immunopurification of PGCs from the mouse embryo. After dissection and disruption of the fetal gonad, PGCs are identified by a monoclonal antibody recognizing an epitope characteristic of pluripotent stem cells. After reaction with a paramagnetic bead-linked secondary antibody, the cell mixture is applied to a strong magnetic field. PGCs are recovered by release from the magnetic field. Purity is assessed by the alkaline phosphatase activity inherent to PGCs.