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A molecular programme for the specification of germ cell fate in mice

Author

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  • Mitinori Saitou

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Sheila C. Barton

    (University of Cambridge)

  • M. Azim Surani

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Germ cell fate in mice is induced in proximal epiblast cells by the extra-embryonic ectoderm, and is not acquired through the inheritance of any preformed germ plasm. To determine precisely how germ cells are specified, we performed a genetic screen between single nascent germ cells and their somatic neighbours that share common ancestry. Here we show that fragilis, an interferon-inducible transmembrane protein, marks the onset of germ cell competence, and we propose that through homotypic association, it demarcates germ cells from somatic neighbours. Using single-cell gene expression profiles, we also show that only those cells with the highest expression of fragilis subsequently express stella, a gene that we detected exclusively in lineage-restricted germ cells. The stella positive nascent germ cells exhibit repression of homeobox genes, which may explain their escape from a somatic cell fate and the retention of pluripotency.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitinori Saitou & Sheila C. Barton & M. Azim Surani, 2002. "A molecular programme for the specification of germ cell fate in mice," Nature, Nature, vol. 418(6895), pages 293-300, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:418:y:2002:i:6895:d:10.1038_nature00927
    DOI: 10.1038/nature00927
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