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Part 1 - Female gamete

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2013

Edited by
Carlos Simón ,
Antonio Pellicer  and
Renee Reijo Pera
Carlos Simón
Affiliation:
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, University of Valencia
Antonio Pellicer
Affiliation:
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, University of Valencia
Renee Reijo Pera
Affiliation:
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
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Summary

This chapter reviews molecular mechanisms that control germline formation through a complex cascade of gene activation. In mammals, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are derived from the proximal epiblast during early embryogenesis. Interestingly, although both FRAGILIS and STELLA are differentially expressed in PGCs, neither appears to be essential for PGC specification. In general, migration of PGCs from primitive streak to genital ridges is believed to be governed by chemotactic cytokines, cell surface receptors, and cell adhesion factors. Until the colonization of the genital ridges, XX and XY PGCs are indistinguishable in terms of morphology and behavior. Mammalian male sex determination is initiated by sex-determining region Y (SRY) expression in XY genital ridges, which triggers Sertoli cell differentiation in supporting cell precursors. Germ-cell colonization of the gonads is followed by sex determination. Expression of sex-specific genes in somatic tissues initiates molecular events that lead to testis or ovary development.
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Chapter
Information
Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine
Basic Science and Therapeutic Potential
 , pp. 1 - 29
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2013

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