Project description:Primordial germ cells (PGCs), undifferentiated embryonic germ cells, are the only cells that have the ability to become gametes and to reacquire totipotency upon fertilization. It is generally understood that the development of PGCs proceeds through the expression of germ cell-specific transcription factors and characteristic epigenomic changes. However, little is known about the properties of PGCs at the metabolite and protein levels, which are directly responsible for the control of cell function. Here, we report the metabolic profiles of PGCs through the first comprehensive analyses of the metabolome and proteome, including remarkable activation of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Moreover, conversion of energy metabolism is involved in the control of PGC reprogramming and differentiation of pluripotential stem cells (PSCs) into PGCs in culture. Our findings about the unique metabolic property of PGCs provide novel insights into our understanding of the importance of distinct energy metabolism for switching PGC and PSC status.
