Article
Biology
Yasunari Seita, Keren Cheng, John R. McCarrey, Nomesh Yadu, Ian H. Cheeseman, Alec Bagwell, Corinna N. Ross, Isamar Santana Toro, Li-hua Yen, Sean Vargas, Christopher S. Navara, Brian P. Hermann, Kotaro Sasaki
Summary: This study successfully established a method for culturing mid-gestation mouse iPSCs on a feeder layer, which can further differentiate into cells similar to primordial germ cells (PGCLCs). Furthermore, these cells can acquire an early developmental germ cell phenotype when co-cultured with mouse testicular somatic cells.
Article
Biology
Ruth Appeltant, Robert Hermes, Susanne Holtze, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Cesare Galli, Briet. D. Bjarkadottir, Babatomisin V. Adeniran, Xi Wei, Aleona Swegen, Thomas Bernd Hildebrandt, Suzannah A. Williams
Summary: The northern white rhinoceros is functionally extinct, with only two females remaining. This study describes the structure and molecular characteristics of the southern white rhinoceros ovaries, which are the closest relative to the northern white rhinoceros. The research reveals the presence of follicles in all ovaries, even in advanced age. Interestingly, the study also finds mitotically active and pluripotent cells with germ cell properties in the neonatal ovaries, providing an opportunity for fertility preservation. Utilizing ovaries from stillborn and adult rhinoceros can contribute to advanced assisted reproductive technologies, and studying neonatal ovaries of other endangered species is crucial for conservation efforts.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Christina L. Hansen, Francisco Pelegri
Summary: This review article discusses the differentiation of primordial germ cells in early embryonic development in sexually reproducing species. It reviews two main mechanisms of PGC specification, shared molecular characteristics, and the distribution of germ cell determination systems across different animal species. Ongoing investigations and potential lines of inquiry into the evolutionary relationships between different modes of specification are also briefly highlighted.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vera Zywitza, Silke Frahm, Norman Krueger, Anja Weise, Frank Goeritz, Robert Hermes, Susanne Holtze, Silvia Colleoni, Cesare Galli, Micha Drukker, Thomas B. Hildebrandt, Sebastian Diecke
Summary: There are less than 80 Sumatran rhinos left on Earth, facing continuous population decline due to habitat loss and limited breeding possibilities. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) presents a powerful tool to combat extinction by preserving genetic material and studying species-specific developmental processes. In this study, researchers successfully generated iPSCs from the last male Malaysian Sumatran rhino and demonstrated their high quality and potential in supporting the rescue of this critically endangered species.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Aleksandra Dunislawska, Maria Siwek, Katarzyna Stadnicka, Marek Bednarczyk
Summary: The study compared the transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles of gonadal PGCs from White Leghorn and Green-legged Partridgelike chickens at different developmental stages, revealing significant differences in gene expression levels and DNA methylation patterns, suggesting faster embryonic development in Green-legged Partridgelike chickens compared to White Leghorn chickens.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gul Zaib, Kai Jin, Qisheng Zuo, Maham Habib, Yani Zhang, Bichun Li
Summary: This review emphasizes the significance of chicken primordial germ cells in understanding early-stage development and developing more productive and superior species to meet food and pharmaceutical demands. It provides insights into the importance of chicken primordial germ cells and their applications in transgenesis. The propagation of chicken primordial germ cells into embryonic germ cells that contribute to somatic tissues in vitro offers great potential in the field of developmental biology, genetic modification, and infertility treatment.
Article
Cell Biology
Maeve Ballantyne, Lorna Taylor, Tuanjun Hu, Dominique Meunier, Sunil Nandi, Adrian Sherman, Brenda Flack, John M. Henshall, Rachel J. Hawken, Mike J. McGrew
Summary: The study found that avian PGCs are not sexually restricted for functional gamete formation, as they can form functional gametes in both female and male hosts, providing new insights for the cryopreservation of poultry and other bird species using diploid stage germ cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Fang Fang, Zili Li, Xiaoke Zhang, Qi Huang, Shi Lu, Xiao Wang
Summary: KLF4 plays a crucial role in the regulation of human primordial germ cell specification. Upregulation of KLF4 is associated with the expression of PGC-related genes, while overexpression of KLF4 inhibits the formation of PGC-like cells.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Xiangchuan Wang, Boyi Hu, Zhongying Zhao, Yu Chung Tse
Summary: Researchers have uncovered the complex regulatory mechanisms of cytokinesis and cytoplasmic remodeling in the development of the Caenorhabditis elegans germline, highlighting the role of contractility proteins in faithful cell division and intercellular bridge stability.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Beh Reh, Xuegeng Wang, Yashi Feng, Ramji K. Bhandari
Summary: Perchlorate, a chemical compound commonly used in military artillery and equipment, has been found in various environmental sources. This study investigated the effects of perchlorate exposure on medaka embryonic development and primordial germ cells (PGCs) migration. The results showed that perchlorate exposure delayed hatching time, reduced heartbeat, inhibited PGCs migration, and increased developmental abnormalities. Vitamin C co-treatment alleviated perchlorate-induced embryo mortality. Furthermore, perchlorate altered the global transcriptional network in PGCs, suggesting its potential effects on developing germ cells and fertility.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weiyan Yuan, Zhaokai Yao, Veeramohan Veerapandian, Xinyan Yang, Xiaoman Wang, Dingyao Chen, Linzi Ma, Chaohui Li, Yi Zheng, Fang Luo, Xiao-yang Zhao
Summary: The histone demethylase KDM2B is found to be highly expressed in male fetal germ cells (FGCs) and shares a similar expression pattern with hPGC marker genes in hPGCLCs. KDM2B plays an essential role in hPGCLC specification by suppressing somatic gene expression during primordial germ cell development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Weiwei Xu, Yajuan Yang, Yongze Yu, Canxin Wen, Simin Zhao, Lili Cao, Shidou Zhao, Yingying Qin, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: The study reveals that FAAP100 is essential for resolving transcription-replication conflicts and protecting replication forks during the proliferation of mouse primordial germ cells. Its loss leads to DNA damage and insufficient reproductive reserve. This finding is important for understanding germ cell development and genetic stability maintenance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryoma Ota, Makoto Hayashi, Shumpei Morita, Hiroki Miura, Satoru Kobayashi
Summary: Dosage compensation equalizes sex chromosome gene expression between the sexes in Drosophila, achieved by the male-specific lethal (MSL) complex in somatic cells. However, it remains unclear whether dosage compensation occurs in germline cells. Transcriptome analysis showed higher expression of X-linked genes in female primordial germ cells (PGCs) compared to males, with absence of H4K16ac due to failure of MSL complex formation in male PGCs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Geng Zhang, Xin-Xiang Xie, Shu-Er Zhang, Fa-Li Zhang, Chun-Xiao Li, Tian Qiao, Paul W. Dyce, Xin-Lei Feng, Wei-Bo Lin, Qi-Cheng Sun, Wei Shen, Shun-Feng Cheng
Summary: Understanding the mechanisms of porcine primordial germ cell development is essential for treating infertility. In this study, researchers isolated SOX9+ skin derived stem cells from fetal porcine skin and successfully induced their transdifferentiation into PGCLCs. Analysis of gene expression, protein levels, and cellular markers confirmed the potential of these cells to differentiate into germ cells. The establishment of this in vitro model provides a new source of donor cells for future stem cell transplantation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hee Jung Choi, So Dam Jin, Deivendran Rengaraj, Jin Hwa Kim, Bertrand Pain, Jae Yong Han
Summary: The study revealed for the first time that different trans-regulatory elements control the transcription of cNANOG in a cell type-specific manner. This finding may help to elucidate the mechanism that regulates cNANOG expression in PGCs and ESCs.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Yuki Naitou, Go Nagamatsu, Nobuhiko Hamazaki, Kenjiro Shirane, Masafumi Hayashi, Makoto Hayashi, Satoru Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Hayashi
Summary: This study reveals the molecular mechanism underlying the allocation of germ line cells during embryonic development by identifying the transcription factor OVOL2 as a key regulator balancing gastrulation and primordial germ cell specification.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vera Zywitza, Ejona Rusha, Dmitry Shaposhnikov, Jorge Ruiz-Orera, Narasimha Telugu, Valentyna Rishko, Masafumi Hayashi, Geert Michel, Lars Wittler, Jan Stejskal, Susanne Holtze, Frank Goeritz, Robert Hermes, Jichang Wang, Zsuzsanna Izsvak, Silvia Colleoni, Giovanna Lazzari, Cesare Galli, Thomas B. Hildebrandt, Katsuhiko Hayashi, Sebastian Diecke, Micha Drukker
Summary: This study aims to rescue the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros species by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate gametes and embryos in vitro. The study found that NWR iPSCs have similarities to human iPSCs and can differentiate into multiple germ layers and trophoblast. Furthermore, the naive-like state of NWR iPSCs is pivotal for differentiation into primordial germ cells (PGCs).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Robert Hermes, Alexis Lecu, Romain Potier, Frank Goeritz, Jessica P. Rickard, Julia Bohner, Rudy Wedlarski, Jiri Hruby, Thomas B. Hildebrandt
Summary: The number of giraffes has decreased by 30-40% over the last 30 years. Efforts to manage their populations are increasing. This study explored the use of alternative cryoprotectants to improve the motility of frozen giraffe sperm. The results showed that using a mix of two cryoprotectants significantly improved post-thaw sperm motility compared to using glycerol alone, providing a potential blueprint for improving giraffe sperm cryopreservation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junhong Choi, Wei Chen, Anna Minkina, Florence M. Chardon, Chase C. Suiter, Samuel G. Regalado, Silvia Domcke, Nobuhiko Hamazaki, Choli Lee, Beth Martin, Riza M. Daza, Jay Shendure
Summary: DNA Typewriter is a system for in vivo molecular recording that overcomes limitations of contemporary DNA-based memory devices. It utilizes insertional edits to record symbols and sequential genome editing to capture the order of events. It has the capability to record and decode complex events and short text messages, as well as potentially record multiple serial events.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vera Zywitza, Silke Frahm, Norman Krueger, Anja Weise, Frank Goeritz, Robert Hermes, Susanne Holtze, Silvia Colleoni, Cesare Galli, Micha Drukker, Thomas B. Hildebrandt, Sebastian Diecke
Summary: There are less than 80 Sumatran rhinos left on Earth, facing continuous population decline due to habitat loss and limited breeding possibilities. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) presents a powerful tool to combat extinction by preserving genetic material and studying species-specific developmental processes. In this study, researchers successfully generated iPSCs from the last male Malaysian Sumatran rhino and demonstrated their high quality and potential in supporting the rescue of this critically endangered species.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Jorge Lazaro, Maria Costanzo, Marina Sanaki-Matsumiya, Charles Girardot, Masafumi Hayashi, Katsuhiko Hayashi, Sebastian Diecke, Thomas B. Hildebrandt, Giovanna Lazzari, Jun Wu, Stoyan Petkov, Ruediger Behr, Vikas Trivedi, Mitsuhiro Matsuda, Miki Ebisuya
Summary: By differentiating pluripotent stem cells in vitro, it was found that the segmentation clock period is not correlated with animal body weight, but with embryogenesis length. The biochemical kinetics of the core clock gene HES7 is correlated with the species-specific segmentation clock period, while cellular metabolic rates show no evident correlation. Instead, genes involving biochemical reactions show an expression pattern that scales with the segmentation clock period.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mayumi Shono, Keiko Kishimoto, Orie Hikabe, Masafumi Hayashi, Katsunori Semi, Yasuhiro Takashima, Erika Sasaki, Kiyoko Kato, Katsuhiko Hayashi
Summary: This study aimed to establish a culture system that induces a robust number of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from common marmoset embryonic stem cells. The induction was achieved by activating PGC-inducing signals and inhibiting mesodermal and neural differentiation during PGCLC differentiation. Many properties of common marmoset PGCLCs were similar to human PGCLCs, making this culture system a reliable primate model. Lastly, PDPN and KIT were identified as surface marker proteins for isolating PGCLCs from embryonic stem cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Nora Deiringer, Undine Schneeweiss, Lena V. Kaufmann, Lennart Eigen, Celina Speissegger, Ben Gerhardt, Susanne Holtze, Guido Fritsch, Frank Goeritz, Rolf Becker, Andreas Ochs, Thomas Hildebrandt, Michael Brecht
Summary: The study suggests that elephant trunks are highly sensitive to touch and mainly rely on whiskers for perception. Whiskers are more densely located at the trunk tip, with African elephants having more than Asian elephants. Adult elephants show worn-out whiskers on one side due to their lateralized trunk behavior. Elephant whiskers are thick, non-tapered, and arranged in specific high-density arrays along the trunk. They are innervated by approximately 90 axons from multiple nerves. Unlike facial whiskers in other mammals, trunk whiskers do not serve a symmetrical sampling function. The unique features of trunk whiskers are believed to have evolved alongside the manipulative capacities of the trunk.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
