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HMG-CoA reductase guides migrating primordial germ cells

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Van Doren

    (Developmental Genetics Program, Skirball Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University Medical Center)

  • Heather Tarczy Broihier

    (Developmental Genetics Program, Skirball Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University Medical Center)

  • Lisa A. Moore

    (Developmental Genetics Program, Skirball Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University Medical Center)

  • Ruth Lehmann

    (Developmental Genetics Program, Skirball Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University Medical Center)

Abstract

The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is best known for catalysing a rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis, but it also participates in the production of a wide variety of other compounds1. Some clinical benefits attributed to inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase are now thought to be independent of any serum cholesterol-lowering effect2,3. Here we describe a new cholesterol-independent role for HMG-CoA reductase, in regulating a developmental process: primordial germ cell migration. We show that in Drosophila this enzyme is highly expressed in the somatic gonad and that it is necessary for primordial germ cells to migrate to this tissue. Misexpression of HMG-CoA reductase is sufficient to attract primordial germ cells to tissues other than the gonadal mesoderm. We conclude that the regulated expression of HMG-CoA reductase has a critical developmental function in providing spatial information to guide migrating primordial germ cells.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Van Doren & Heather Tarczy Broihier & Lisa A. Moore & Ruth Lehmann, 1998. "HMG-CoA reductase guides migrating primordial germ cells," Nature, Nature, vol. 396(6710), pages 466-469, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:396:y:1998:i:6710:d:10.1038_24871
    DOI: 10.1038/24871
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