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Invasive behaviour of mouse primordial germ cells in vitro
Abstract:
We have isolated migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs) from 10.5-day mouse embryos and studied their behaviour when cultured on a mouse embryo fibroblast (STO) cell line. Living and fixed PGCs were identified by fluorescent labelling with a monoclonal antibody specific for PGCs in the culture system used. The behaviour of the cells was studied using interference reflexion microscopy (IRM) and time-lapse video cinematography. The IRM pattern displayed by PGCs is typical of highly motile cell types, the cells lack focal contacts and possess large areas of close contacts indicative of weak membrane to substrate interaction. The PGCs exhibit relatively high rates of translocation and lack contact inhibition. They were observed to underlap STO cells in subconfluent monolayers and to penetrate between the cells of confluent monolayers, becoming located between the monolayer and its substrate. These observations support the hypothesis that migrating mouse PGCs are inherently motile and are able transiently to disrupt the adhesion of surrounding cells. These results suggest that PGCs actively migrate to the developing gonad in vivo.
Insights
Migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs) are highly motile and can disrupt surrounding cell adhesion. These findings suggest PGCs actively navigate to the developing gonad during embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursors to gametes.
- Understanding PGC migration is crucial for reproductive biology.
- Previous studies suggested but did not confirm active migration mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the migratory behavior of isolated mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs).
- To determine the interaction dynamics between PGCs and somatic cells during migration.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying PGC navigation in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of PGCs from 10.5-day mouse embryos.
- Culture of PGCs on mouse embryo fibroblast (STO) cell lines.
- Fluorescent labeling of PGCs using specific monoclonal antibodies.
- Analysis of cell behavior via interference reflexion microscopy (IRM) and time-lapse video cinematography.
Main Results:
- PGCs exhibited IRM patterns characteristic of highly motile cells.
- PGCs displayed weak membrane-to-substrate interactions and lacked focal contacts.
- Cells showed high translocation rates and lacked contact inhibition.
- PGCs were observed to underlap and penetrate surrounding STO cell monolayers.
Conclusions:
- Migrating PGCs possess inherent motility and can transiently disrupt cell adhesion.
- These properties support the hypothesis of active PGC migration to the developing gonad.
- The findings provide insights into the in vivo navigation mechanisms of PGCs.