Porcine Germ Cells Phenotype during Embryonic and Adult Development

Abstract

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of gametes. Due to their importance for the formation and reproduction of an organism, understanding the mechanisms and pathways of PGCs and the differences between males and females is essential. However, there is little research in domestic animals, e.g., swine, regarding the epigenetic and pluripotency profiles of PGCs during development. This study analyzed the expression of epigenetic and various pluripotent and germline markers associated with the development and differentiation of PGCs in porcine (pPGCs), aiming to understand the different gene expression profiles between the genders. The analysis of gonads at different gestational periods (from 24 to 35 days post fertilization (dpf) and in adults) was evaluated by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR and showed phenotypic differences between the gonads of male and female embryos. In addition, the pPGCs were positive for OCT4 and VASA; some cells were H3k27me3 positive in male embryos and adult testes. In adults, the cells of the testes were positive for germline markers, as confirmed by gene expression analysis. The results may contribute to understanding the pPGC pathways during reproductive development, while also contributing to the knowledge needed to generate mature gametes in vitro.

Emerging Contributions of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Reproductive Technologies in Veterinary Medicine

“…More recently, in 2023 [ 75 ], Soares et al analyzed the expression of epigenetic, pluripotent, and germline markers associated with the development and differentiation of pPGCs at different gestational periods (from 24 to 35 days post-fertilization (dpf) and in adults) and with gender. They showed that the formation of the genital ridge from mesonephros at 24 days of gestation continues to develop until 29 days, when differentiation into primitive gonads begins, ending sexual dimorphism at 35 days of gestation.…”