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Developmental fates of the mouse germ cell line
1Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. m60302@center.osaka-u.ac.jp
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) show developmental plasticity, potentially reverting to pluripotency. Their fate towards gametes or pluripotency involves cell communication, programmed cell death, and specific molecular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Germ cell lineage specification in mice involves pluripotential cells and cell communication.
- Primordial germ cells (PGCs) appear early but can dedifferentiate under certain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the plasticity of PGCs and their potential to revert to pluripotency.
- To investigate the regulatory mechanisms governing germ cell fate, survival, and death.
Main Methods:
- Observation of PGCs in ectopic environments and culture.
- Analysis of programmed cell death pathways involving Bcl-2 family molecules.
- Examination of germ cell development in embryonic gonads and adult testis.
Main Results:
- PGCs can transform into pluripotential cells in vitro or ectopic environments.
- Programmed cell death affects fetal germ cells and spermatogonia, regulated by Bcl-2.
- Oocytes completing meiosis can restore pluripotency, suggesting maternal factor roles.
Conclusions:
- Germ cell fate is plastic, influenced by intrinsic and environmental cues.
- Programmed cell death is crucial for germ cell quality control and supporting cell interactions.
- Maternal factors in oocytes may be key to restoring pluripotency.