Intermolecular interactions of homologs of germ plasm components in mammalian germ cells.

ABSTRACT: In some species such as flies, worms, frogs and fish, the key to forming and maintaining early germ cell populations is the assembly of germ plasm, microscopically distinct egg cytoplasm that is rich in RNAs, RNA-binding proteins and ribosomes. Cells which inherit germ plasm are destined for the germ cell lineage. In contrast, in mammals, germ cells are formed and maintained later in development as a result of inductive signaling from one embryonic cell type to another. Research advances, using complementary approaches, including identification of key signaling factors that act during the initial stages of germ cell development, differentiation of germ cells in vitro from mouse and human embryonic stem cells and the demonstration that homologs of germ plasm components are conserved in mamm

SUBMITTER: Fox MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2563953 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature