scholarly journals The Mammalian Ovary from Genesis to Revelation

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 624-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Edson ◽  
Ankur K. Nagaraja ◽  
Martin M. Matzuk
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Sex Characteristics ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Peptide Growth Factors ◽  
Development And Differentiation ◽  
Common Destiny ◽  
Female Germline

Abstract Two major functions of the mammalian ovary are the production of germ cells (oocytes), which allow continuation of the species, and the generation of bioactive molecules, primarily steroids (mainly estrogens and progestins) and peptide growth factors, which are critical for ovarian function, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and development of secondary sex characteristics. The female germline is created during embryogenesis when the precursors of primordial germ cells differentiate from somatic lineages of the embryo and take a unique route to reach the urogenital ridge. This undifferentiated gonad will differentiate along a female pathway, and the newly formed oocytes will proliferate and subsequently enter meiosis. At this point, the oocyte has two alternative fates: die, a common destiny of millions of oocytes, or be fertilized, a fate of at most approximately 100 oocytes, depending on the species. At every step from germline development and ovary formation to oogenesis and ovarian development and differentiation, there are coordinated interactions of hundreds of proteins and small RNAs. These studies have helped reproductive biologists to understand not only the normal functioning of the ovary but also the pathophysiology and genetics of diseases such as infertility and ovarian cancer. Over the last two decades, parallel progress has been made in the assisted reproductive technology clinic including better hormonal preparations, prenatal genetic testing, and optimal oocyte and embryo analysis and cryopreservation. Clearly, we have learned much about the mammalian ovary and manipulating its most important cargo, the oocyte, since the birth of Louise Brown over 30 yr ago.

scholarly journals A truncated form of a transcription factor Mamo activates vasa in Drosophila embryos

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoichi Nakamura ◽  
Seiji Hira ◽  
Masato Fujiwara ◽  
Nasa Miyagata ◽  
Takuma Tsuji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Transcriptional Activator ◽  
Transcriptional Regulators ◽  
Truncated Form ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Finger Protein ◽  
Biochemical Studies ◽  
Drosophila Embryos

AbstractExpression of the vasa gene is associated with germline establishment. Therefore, identification of vasa activator(s) should provide insights into germline development. However, the genes sufficient for vasa activation remain unknown. Previously, we showed that the BTB/POZ-Zn-finger protein Mamo is necessary for vasa expression in Drosophila. Here, we show that the truncated Mamo lacking the BTB/POZ domain (MamoAF) is a potent vasa activator. Overexpression of MamoAF was sufficient to induce vasa expression in both primordial germ cells and brain. Indeed, Mamo mRNA encoding a truncated Mamo isoform, which is similar to MamoAF, was predominantly expressed in primordial germ cells. The results of our genetic and biochemical studies showed that MamoAF, together with CBP, epigenetically activates vasa expression. Furthermore, MamoAF and the germline transcriptional activator OvoB exhibited synergy in activating vasa transcription. We propose that a Mamo-mediated network of epigenetic and transcriptional regulators activates vasa expression.

scholarly journals The Central Role of Cadherins in Gonad Development, Reproduction and Fertility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafał P. Piprek ◽  
Malgorzata Kloc ◽  
Paulina Mizia ◽  
Jacek Z. KUBIAK
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Somatic Cells ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Germline Development

Cadherins are a group of membrane proteins responsible for cell adhesion. They are crucial for cell sorting and recognition during the morphogenesis, but also play many other roles such as assuring tissue integrity and resistance to stretching, mechanotransduction, cell signaling, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival, carcinogenesis, etc. Within the cadherin superfamily, the E- and N-cadherin have been especially well studied. They are involved in many aspects of sexual development and reproduction, such as germline development and gametogenesis, gonad development and functioning, and fertilization. E-cadherin is expressed in the primordial germ cells, (PGCs) and also participates in PGC migration to the developing gonads where they become enclosed by the N-cadherin-expressing somatic cells. The differential expression of cadherins is also responsible for the establishment of the testis or ovary structure. In the adult testes, the N-cadherin is responsible for the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium, regulation of sperm production, and the establishment of the blood-testis barrier. Sex hormones regulate the expression and turnover of N-cadherin influencing the course of spermatogenesis. In the adult ovaries, E- and N-cadherin assure the integrity of ovarian follicles and the formation of corpora lutea. Cadherins are expressed in the mature gametes, and facilitate the capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract, and gamete contact during fertilization. The germ cells and accompanying somatic cells express a series of different cadherins, however, their role in gonads and reproduction is still unknown. In this review, we show what is known and unknown about the role of cadherins in the germline and gonad development, and suggest the topics for future research.

scholarly journals Reconstitution of ovarian function following transplantation of primordial germ cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Zeng ◽  
Xiaoyan Sheng ◽  
David L. Keefe ◽  
Lin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells

scholarly journals Similarities between bovine and human germline development revealed by single-cell RNAseq

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delia Alba Soto ◽  
Pablo Juan Ross
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Cell Lineage ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Fetal Ovary

The germ cell lineage ensures the creation of new individuals and perpetuates the genetic information across generations. Primordial germ cells are pioneers of gametes and exist transiently during development until they differentiate into oogonia in females, or spermatogonia in males. Little is known about the molecular characteristics of primordial germ cells in cattle. By performing single-cell RNA-sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence analyses of fetal gonads between 40 and 90 days of fetal age, we evaluated the molecular signatures of bovine germ cells at the initial stages of gonadal development. Our results indicate that at 50 days of fetal age, bovine primordial germ cells were in the early stages of development, expressing genes of early primordial germ cells, including transcriptional regulators of human germline specification (e.g. SOX17, TFAP2C, and PRDM1). Bovine and human primordial germ cells also share expression of KIT, EPCAM, ITGA6, and PDPN genes coding for membrane-bound proteins, and an asynchronous pattern of differentiation. Additionally, the expression of members of Notch, Nodal/Activin, and BMP signaling cascades in the bovine fetal ovary, suggests that these pathways are involved in the interaction between germ cells and their niche. Results of this study provide insights into the mechanisms involved in the development of bovine primordial germ cells and put in evidence similarities between the bovine and human germline.

scholarly journals ID3019 Female germline stem Cells: A source for application in reproductive and regenerative medicine

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (S) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Thuy Hong Bui
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Proliferative Potential ◽  
Germline Stem Cells ◽  
Mammalian Female ◽  
Female Germline

Studies suggest a renewable source of eggs and stir more controversy, especially about the origin of female germline stem cells (FGSCs). It should be elucidated whether or not neo-oogenesis continues in the ovaries of mammalian female during postnatal life. Therefore, the establishment of FGSCs is very important for many applications. Here, using adult pig ovary, we isolate, identify, characterize FGSCs to elucidate their origin, then examined the proliferation, growth and differentiation of them. These cells were heterogeneous, depending on both of c-kit expression and cell size, and also express stem cell and germ cell markers. Importantly, we show clearly that the cells with the characteristics of early primordial germ cells are present in the adult pig ovary. Once FGSCs were established, they could be expanded in vitro for months without loss of the identifying markers and proliferative potential. Under appropriate conditions, the FGSCs differentiated into primordial oocyte-like cells and grow close to full-sized oocytes. These may assist in therapeutic strategies in human with their potential to make new oocytes and support ovarian function and fertility. Our results support the theory that the ovary contains a small number of undifferentiated cells with stem cell characteristics. These might remain in the postnatal and adult ovary and under certain conditions could resume mitosis, enter meiosis and give rise to oocytes. Given the existence of these FGSCs in mammalian ovaries and the depletion in ovarian reserve during female reproductive aging, one can hypothesize that such “neo-oogenesis” was present in ancestral forms, is still present in insects, some fish and mollusks, but has been lost in land vertebrates through evolution. FGSCs cannot proliferate in the ovary normally because of inhibitory factors, but under appropriate conditions, they can undergo proliferation and differentiation, and provide a potential mechanism for the self-renewal of germline stem cells.

scholarly journals The Central Role of Cadherins in Gonad Development, Reproduction, and Fertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 8264
Author(s):  
Rafał P. Piprek ◽  
Malgorzata Kloc ◽  
Paulina Mizia ◽  
Jacek Z. Kubiak
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Somatic Cells ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Germline Development

Cadherins are a group of membrane proteins responsible for cell adhesion. They are crucial for cell sorting and recognition during the morphogenesis, but they also play many other roles such as assuring tissue integrity and resistance to stretching, mechanotransduction, cell signaling, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival, carcinogenesis, etc. Within the cadherin superfamily, E- and N-cadherin have been especially well studied. They are involved in many aspects of sexual development and reproduction, such as germline development and gametogenesis, gonad development and functioning, and fertilization. E-cadherin is expressed in the primordial germ cells (PGCs) and also participates in PGC migration to the developing gonads where they become enclosed by the N-cadherin-expressing somatic cells. The differential expression of cadherins is also responsible for the establishment of the testis or ovary structure. In the adult testes, N-cadherin is responsible for the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium, regulation of sperm production, and the establishment of the blood–testis barrier. Sex hormones regulate the expression and turnover of N-cadherin influencing the course of spermatogenesis. In the adult ovaries, E- and N-cadherin assure the integrity of ovarian follicles and the formation of corpora lutea. Cadherins are expressed in the mature gametes and facilitate the capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract and gamete contact during fertilization. The germ cells and accompanying somatic cells express a series of different cadherins; however, their role in gonads and reproduction is still unknown. In this review, we show what is known and unknown about the role of cadherins in the germline and gonad development, and we suggest topics for future research.

scholarly journals The RNA-binding protein Igf2bp3 is critical for embryonic and germline development in zebrafish

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Ho Vong ◽  
Lavanya Sivashanmugam ◽  
Andreas Zaucker ◽  
Alex Jones ◽  
Karuna Sampath
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Early Embryos ◽  
Cytoplasmic Complex

AbstractThe ability to reproduce is essential in all branches of life. In metazoans, this process is initiated by formation of the germline, a group of cells that are destined to form the future gonads, the tissue that will produce the gametes. The molecular mechanisms underlying germline formation differs between species. In zebrafish, development of the germline is dependent on the specification, migration and proliferation of progenitors called the primordial germ cells (PGCs). PGC specification is dependent on a maternally provided cytoplasmic complex of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), the germplasm. Here, we show that the conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP), Igf2bp3, has an essential role during early embryonic development and germline development. Loss of Igf2bp3 leads to an expanded yolk syncytial layer (YSL) in early embryos, reduced germline RNA expression, and mis-regulated germline development. Maternal mutants affecting igf2bp3 exhibit abnormal PGCs and adult igf2bp3 mutants show male biased sex ratios. Therefore, Igf2bp3 is required for normal embryonic and germline development.

scholarly journals The RNA-binding protein Igf2bp3 is critical for embryonic and germline development in zebrafish

PLoS Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. e1009667
Author(s):  
Yin Ho Vong ◽  
Lavanya Sivashanmugam ◽  
Rebecca Leech ◽  
Andreas Zaucker ◽  
Alex Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Sexual Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
Early Embryos ◽  
Cytoplasmic Complex

The ability to reproduce is essential in all branches of life. In metazoans, this process is initiated by formation of the germline, a group of cells that are destined to form the future gonads, the tissue that will produce the gametes. The molecular mechanisms underlying germline formation differs between species. In zebrafish, development of the germline is dependent on the specification, migration and proliferation of progenitors called the primordial germ cells (PGCs). PGC specification is dependent on a maternally provided cytoplasmic complex of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), the germplasm. Here, we show that the conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP), Igf2bp3, has an essential role during early embryonic development and germline development. Loss of Igf2bp3 leads to an expanded yolk syncytial layer (YSL) in early embryos, reduced germline RNA expression, and mis-regulated germline development. We show that loss of maternal Igf2bp3 function results in translational de-regulation of a Nodal reporter during the mid-blastula transition. Furthermore, maternal igf2bp3 mutants exhibit reduced expression of germplasm transcripts, defects in chemokine guidance, abnormal PGC behavior and germ cell death. Consistently, adult igf2bp3 mutants show a strong male bias. Our findings suggest that Igf2bp3 is essential for normal embryonic and germline development, and acts as a key regulator of sexual development.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Reprogramming in the Mammalian Germ Line: Possible Effects by Endocrine Disruptors on Primordial Germ Cells

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo De Felici ◽  
Gina La Sala
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Genetic Information ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Germline Development ◽  
The Past ◽  
Direct Target

The present work provides a brief review about evidence obtained in the past years mainly in our laboratory using the mouse model, that germ cells and gonadal somatic cells may be direct target of endocrine disruptors (EDs) from very early stages of gonad formation. Since it is now known that epigenetic pathways are crucial for germline development and that EDs are also able to interfere with epigenetic mechanisms, we will discuss these results mostly in light of possible effects by such molecules on the epigenoma of the primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of the adult gametes that transmit genetic information between generations.

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