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Isolation of chick primordial germ cells from stages 4-8 embryos
1Department of Anatomy No. 2, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Insights
This study isolated chick embryo primordial germ cells (PGCs) and observed their shape changes on different surfaces. PGCs adapt their morphology when migrating in vivo and cultured in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are crucial for reproduction.
- Understanding PGC behavior is key to developmental studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize chick embryo PGCs.
- To investigate PGC morphology on artificial substrates.
Main Methods:
- Manual isolation of PGCs from chick embryos (stages 4-8).
- Confirmation using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Culture of PGCs on 2D and 3D artificial substrates.
Main Results:
- PGCs transitioned from spherical to flattened or elongated shapes on substrates.
- Morphological changes included developing cytoplasmic skirts and projections.
- SEM confirmed distinct shape alterations in response to substrate dimensionality.
Conclusions:
- Chick embryo PGCs exhibit significant morphological plasticity.
- PGCs alter shape during in vivo migration and in vitro culture.
- This study provides novel insights into PGC behavior and substrate interaction.
Abstract:
Chick embryo primordial germ cells (PGCs) stages 4-8 were manually isolated for the first time from the late hypoblast layer. They were confirmed to be PGCs by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). They were subsequently introduced onto a variety of artificial substrata. On two dimensional substrata, the cells change from a spherical shape covered with numerous microvilli to a rounded cell with a "skirt" of cytoplasm. Eventually a process projects from one side of the smooth cell. On a three dimensional substrate the PGCs change from a spherical shape covered with numerous microvilli to a smooth surfaced cell with a long single process. It is concluded that the PGCs which are originally spherical in situ in stage 4 alter their morphology both in vivo during their migration and in vitro studies.