Germ cells, the precursors of gametes, represent a unique cell lineage that is able to differentiate into spermatozoa or oocytes depending on the chromosomal sex of the organism. In the mammalian embryonic gonad, commitment to oogenesis involves pre-meiotic DNA replication and entry into the first meiotic division; whereas, commitment to spermatogenesis involves inhibition of meiotic initiation, suppression of pluripotency, mitotic arrest and expression of specific markers that will control the development of the male germ cells. The crucial decision made by the germ line to commit to either a male or a female fate has been partially explained by genetic and ex vivo studies in mice which have implicated a complex network of regulatory genes, numerous factors and pathways. Besides the reproductive failure that may follow a deregulation of this complex network, the germ cells may, in view of their proliferative and pluripotent nature, act as precursors of potential malignant transformation and as putative targets for exogenous environmental compounds. Our review summarizes and discusses recent developments that have improved our understanding on how germ cell precursors are committed to a male or a female cell fate in the mouse gonad.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.014 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Sperm DNA fragmentation index: limited effectiveness on predicting embryo quality in assisted reproduction technology treatments.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol
January 2025
Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 543 Ningxi Road, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
Purpose: Prior sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) thresholds for diagnosing male infertility and predicting assisted reproduction technology (ART) outcomes fluctuated between 15 and 30%, with no agreed standard. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the sperm DFI on early embryonic development during ART treatments and establish appropriate DFI cut-off values.
Methods: Retrospectively analyzed 913 couple's ART cycles from 2021 to 2022, encompassing 1,476 IVF and 295 ICSI cycles, following strict criteria.
Effect of artificial fish nest placement on spawning site preference and reproductive efficiency in reservoir fish with adhesive and demersal eggs.
Sci Rep
January 2025
Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
Artificial fish nests are common tools in fisheries management, providing spawning grounds to enhance the size and diversity of fish populations. This study aimed to explore the effects of deployment locations on the reproductive efficiency and preferences of fish with adhesive and demersal eggs using artificial nests. Floating artificial nests were deployed in three regions (upstream, midstream, and downstream) of a reservoir in Zhejiang, China, at locations with three topographical types: steep slope (reservoir shore, slopes > 60°), gentle slope (reservoir shore, slopes < 30°), and confluence (middle thread of channel).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDerivation of induced pluripotent stem cell FDZSi003-A from a 64-year-old Chinese Han with Prostate cancer.
Stem Cell Res
January 2025
Department of Urology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address:
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor of the male reproductive system. In this study, we establish an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from a male diagnosed with PC. of This iPSCs line was generated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using a non-integrated Sendai virus.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiallelic mutations in CDC20 cause female infertility due to oocyte maturation abnormality.
Gynecol Endocrinol
December 2025
Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
Oocyte maturation arrest (OMA) may occur at different stages, including the germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII). A total maturation arrest of human oocytes is rarely observed during fertilization (IVF). We have identified a case of infertile female for whom all oocytes fail to mature and are arrested at MI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeterogeneity in Fluorescence-Stained Sperm Membrane Patterns and Their Dynamic Changes Towards Fertilization in Mice.
Front Biosci (Landmark Ed)
January 2025
Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Integrated Graduate School of Medicine, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences, University of Yamanashi, 400-8510 Kofu, Japan.
Background: Sperm represent a heterogeneous population crucial for male reproductive success. Additionally, sperm undergo dynamic changes during maturation and capacitation. Despite these well-established processes, the complex nature of sperm heterogeneity and membrane dynamics remains elusive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!