Abstract
Two unique characteristics of the germ line are the ability to persist from generation to generation and to retain full developmental potential while differentiating into gametes. How the germ line is specified that allows it to retain these characteristics within the context of a developing embryo remains unknown and is one focus of current research. Germ cell specification proceeds through one of two basic mechanisms: cell autonomous or inductive. Here, we discuss how germ plasm driven germ cell specification (cell autonomous) occurs in both zebrafish and the frog Xenopus. We describe the segregation of germ cells during embryonic development of solitary and colonial ascidians to provide an evolutionary context to both mechanisms. We conclude with a discussion of the inductive mechanism as exemplified by both the mouse and axolotl model systems. Regardless of mechanism, several general themes can be recognized including the essential role of repression and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Dr. Malgorzata Kloc (Houston Methodist Hospital and THMRI) and Kenneth Dunner Jr. (High Resolution Electron Microscopy Facility at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston) for their generosity in providing the electron micrographs shown in Fig. 8.5a–d. We are also very appreciative of the in situ hybridizations provided by Dawn Owens shown in Fig. 8.5e–j. We would also like to thank Anita Cheung who compiled the data shown in Table 8.2. Delany Rodriguez did an outstanding job of creating Figs. 8.8 and 8.9 and in helping to edit the text. The authors would like to acknowledge support from NIH to M.L.K. (R21HD072340; R01GM102397) and CCSG grant NIH P30CA016672 to K.D.
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Aguero, T., Kassmer, S., Alberio, R., Johnson, A., King, M.L. (2017). Mechanisms of Vertebrate Germ Cell Determination. In: Pelegri, F., Danilchik, M., Sutherland, A. (eds) Vertebrate Development. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 953. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_8
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