Mammalian germ cells are determined after PGC colonization of the nascent gonad
Abstract
In mammals, the germline is set aside early in development for the later production of the gametes, either eggs or sperm. It remains unknown when, and how, the precursor cells (termed primordial germ cells [PGCs]) become committed to produce only gametes, and no other cell type. We identify an embryonic transition occurring late in development, after PGCs colonize the nascent gonad, that serves to commit these cells to produce only gametes. Our findings have broad implications for the origin of germ cell tumors in humans, and for the stepwise commitment of the germline in mammals and other vertebrates.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1910733116
- Bibcode:
- 2019PNAS..11625677N