Germ-line cells are responsible for transmitting genetic and epigenetic information across generations, and ensuring the creation of new individuals from one generation to the next. Gametogenesis process requires seve...Germ-line cells are responsible for transmitting genetic and epigenetic information across generations, and ensuring the creation of new individuals from one generation to the next. Gametogenesis process requires several rigorous steps, including primordial germ cell （PGC） specification, proliferation, migration to the gonadal ridges and differentiation into mature gametes such as sperms and oocytes. But this process is not clearly explored because a small number of PGCs are deeply embedded in the developing embryo. In the attempt to establish an in vitro model for understanding gametogenesis process well, several groups have made considerable progress in differen- tiating embryonic stem cells （ESCs） and adult stem cells （ASCs） into germ-like cells over the past ten years. These stem cell-derived germ cells appear to he capable of undergoing meiosis and generating both male and female gametes. But most of gametes turn out to be not fully functional due to their abnormal meiosis process compared to endogenous germ cells. Therefore, a robust system of differentiating stem cells into germ cells would enable us to investigate the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors associated with germ cell development. Here, we review the stem cell-derived germ cell development, and discuss the potential and challenges in the differentiation of functional germ cells from stem cells.展开更多
Adult stem cells have been identified in a variety of mammalian organs including skin, hair follicles, pancreas, and bone marrow （Kruse et al., 2004）. These stem cells reside in a specific cellular environment where...Adult stem cells have been identified in a variety of mammalian organs including skin, hair follicles, pancreas, and bone marrow （Kruse et al., 2004）. These stem cells reside in a specific cellular environment where they remain in an undifferentiated state （Theise, 2006）. In addition, they are generally considered to be mul- tipotent, possessing the capacity to generate multiple cell types within the tissue, and thus play an important role in tissue mainte- nance and regeneration.展开更多
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(Grant Nos.2013CB947903 and 2012CB944401)Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University of China(Grant No.NCET-12-1026)Foundation of Distinguished Young Scholars of Shandong Province in China(Grant No.JQ201109)
文摘Germ-line cells are responsible for transmitting genetic and epigenetic information across generations, and ensuring the creation of new individuals from one generation to the next. Gametogenesis process requires several rigorous steps, including primordial germ cell （PGC） specification, proliferation, migration to the gonadal ridges and differentiation into mature gametes such as sperms and oocytes. But this process is not clearly explored because a small number of PGCs are deeply embedded in the developing embryo. In the attempt to establish an in vitro model for understanding gametogenesis process well, several groups have made considerable progress in differen- tiating embryonic stem cells （ESCs） and adult stem cells （ASCs） into germ-like cells over the past ten years. These stem cell-derived germ cells appear to he capable of undergoing meiosis and generating both male and female gametes. But most of gametes turn out to be not fully functional due to their abnormal meiosis process compared to endogenous germ cells. Therefore, a robust system of differentiating stem cells into germ cells would enable us to investigate the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors associated with germ cell development. Here, we review the stem cell-derived germ cell development, and discuss the potential and challenges in the differentiation of functional germ cells from stem cells.
基金supported by National Nature Science Foundation(Nos. 31671554, 31672423 and 31471346)National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2012CB944401)
文摘Adult stem cells have been identified in a variety of mammalian organs including skin, hair follicles, pancreas, and bone marrow （Kruse et al., 2004）. These stem cells reside in a specific cellular environment where they remain in an undifferentiated state （Theise, 2006）. In addition, they are generally considered to be mul- tipotent, possessing the capacity to generate multiple cell types within the tissue, and thus play an important role in tissue mainte- nance and regeneration.
