The mouse homolog of Drosophila Vasa is required for the development of male germ cells

AUTOR(ES)

Tanaka, Satomi S.

FONTE

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

RESUMO

Restricted expression of a mouse Vasa homolog gene (Mvh) expression is first detected in primordial germ cells (PGCs) after colonization of the genital ridges. Subsequently, Mvh is maintained until postmeiotic germ cells are formed. Here, we demonstrate that male mice homozygous for a targeted mutation of Mvh exhibit a reproductive deficiency. Male homozygotes produce no sperm in the testes, where premeiotic germ cells cease differentiation by the zygotene stage and undergo apoptotic death. In addition, the proliferation of PGCs that colonize homozygous male gonads is significantly hampered, and OCT-3/4 expression appears to be reduced. These results indicate that the loss of Mvh function causes a deficiency in the proliferation and differentiation of mouse male germ cells.

Documentos Relacionados

• The Pax2 homolog sparkling is required for development of cone and pigment cells in the Drosophila eye
• The Drosophila Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (Btk) Homolog Is Required for Adult Survival and Male Genital Formation
• Bmp4 is required for the generation of primordial germ cells in the mouse embryo
• Bone morphogenetic protein 4 in the extraembryonic mesoderm is required for allantois development and the localization and survival of primordial germ cells in the mouse
• Dose Rate Effects in the Developing Germ Cells of Male Drosophila