Generation of germ cells from pluripotent stem cells in mammals

Abstract

BackgroundThe germ cell lineage transmits genetic and epigenetic information to the next generation. Primordial germ cells (PGCs), the early embryonic precursors of sperm or eggs, have been studied extensively. Recently, in vitro models of PGC induction have been established in the mouse. Many attempts are reported to enhance our understanding of PGC development in other mammals, including human.MethodsHere, original and review articles that have been published on PubMed are reviewed in order to give an overview of the literature that is focused on PGC development, including the specification of in vivo and in vitro in mice, human, porcine, and bovine.ResultsMammalian PGC development, in vivo and in vitro, have been studied primarily by using the mouse model as a template to study PGC specification in other mammals, including human, porcine, and bovine.ConclusionThe growing body of published works reveals similarities, as well as differences, in PGC establishment in and between mouse and human.

Synergistic effect of Huyang Yangkun Formula and embryonic stem cells on 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide induced premature ovarian insufficiency in mice

“…As a kind of self-renewing pluripotent cells, stem cells are able to differentiate into cells in a variety of types, and further form specific tissue and organs. Recent studies have shown great potential of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) transplantation in improving the ovarian function [4][5][6]. ESCs are capable of differentiating into primordial germ cell-like cells and then further forming oocytes in appropriate conditions [7][8][9].…”

In vitro breeding: application of embryonic stem cells to animal production†

“…Although the number of reports pertaining to germ cell differentiation in domesticated mammal species is not as high as in mouse and human, there are some interesting studies that are worth remarking [102]. One of these studies has shown that porcine PGCs originate from the posterior pre-primitive-streak competent epiblast by sequential upregulation of SOX17 and BLIMP1 in response to WNT and BMP signaling [94].…”

Stem cells and reproduction

“…Some researchers reported generation of epiblast stem cells (31–33), but Hayashi and colleagues claimed that these cells did not produce PGCs. Instead, they generated epiblast-like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which developed into PGCs, and later oocytes or sperm (34). Second, converting PSCs to specific types of cells is challenging, and not all cells respond equally.…”