Introduction to Germ Cell Development in Caenorhabditis elegans

Chapter
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Part of the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology book series (volume 757)

Abstract

A central feature of the continuum of life in sexually reproducing metazoans is the cycle of the germline from one generation to the next. This volume describes the cycle of the germline for Caenorhabditis elegans through chapters that are focused on distinct aspects or processes in germ cell development. Topics include sequential and dependent processes such as specification of germ cells as distinct from somatic cells, sex determination, stem cell proliferative fate versus meiotic development decision, recombination/progression through meiotic prophase, contemporaneous processes such as gametogenesis, meiotic development and apoptosis, and continuing the cycle into the next generation through fertilization and the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Throughout germ cell development, translational control and epigenetic mechanisms play prominent roles. These different aspects of germ cell development are seamlessly integrated under optimal conditions and are modified in the different reproductive strategies that are employed by C. elegans under harsh environmental conditions. In this chapter, we set the stage by providing a brief background on the C. elegans system and germ cell development, indicating processes in the cycle of the germline that are covered in each chapter.

Keywords

C. elegans Germ cell Gametogenesis Meiosis Reproduction Somatic gonad Apoptosis Meiotic recombination Sex determination Fertilization Germline stem cell 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

We thank Dave Hansen for comments, and Karen Fiorino for the artwork. Nanette Pazdernik is supported by NIH T32 HD 49305. Research in the Schedl laboratory is supported by R01 GM085150.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of GeneticsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUSA

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