Retinoid Signaling Determines Germ Cell Fate in Mice
Australian Research Council · University of British Columbia · +3 more institutions
Abstract
Germ cells in the mouse embryo can develop as oocytes or spermatogonia, depending on molecular cues that have not been identified. We found that retinoic acid, produced by mesonephroi of both sexes, causes germ cells in the ovary to enter meiosis and initiate oogenesis. Meiosis is retarded in the fetal testis by the action of the retinoid-degrading enzyme CYP26B1, ultimately leading to spermatogenesis. In testes of Cyp26b1-knockout mouse embryos, germ cells enter meiosis precociously, as if in a normal ovary. Thus, precise regulation of retinoid levels during fetal gonad development provides the molecular control mechanism that specifies germ cell fate.
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 32.74
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 36
Authors
12- JBJosephine BowlesCorresponding
Australian Research Council, University of British Columbia, The University of Queensland, Hospital for Sick Children, Japan Science and Technology Agency
- DKDeon Knight
Australian Research Council, University of British Columbia, The University of Queensland, Hospital for Sick Children, Japan Science and Technology Agency
- CSChristopher Smith
Australian Research Council, University of British Columbia, The University of Queensland, Hospital for Sick Children, Japan Science and Technology Agency
- DWDagmar Wilhelm
Australian Research Council, University of British Columbia, The University of Queensland, Hospital for Sick Children, Japan Science and Technology Agency
- JMJoy M. Richman
Australian Research Council, University of British Columbia, The University of Queensland, Hospital for Sick Children, Japan Science and Technology Agency
Topics & keywords
- Biology
- Germ cell
- Oogenesis
- Spermatogenesis
- Retinoic acid
- Meiosis
- Cell biology
- Germ line development