Biomaterial Database

Modeling human germ cell development with embryonic stem cells. 2006

Amander T Clark, and Renee A Reijo Pera

University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Reproductive Sciences, Program in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Biology, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. aclark@itsa.ucsf.edu

There has previously been no robust cell-based model for examining the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of human germ cell formation. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could potentially fill this need, as all cell types analyzed to date (including mature germ cells) can be identified by marker analysis during hESC differentiation. Furthermore, hESCs could also be used to differentiate mature female germ cells (oocytes) in culture as an alternate reprogramming cell for somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, to differentiate and isolate a functional germ cell from hESCs, the mechanisms that regulate germ cell formation need to be understood. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the earliest events in human germ cell formation and to describe some of the known genetic pathways that regulate germ cell specification and development in the mouse. Finally, the current literature on the formation of germ cells from ESCs will be described.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D005819	Genetic Markers	A phenotypically recognizable genetic trait which can be used to identify a genetic locus, a linkage group, or a recombination event.	Chromosome Markers,DNA Markers,Markers, DNA,Markers, Genetic,Genetic Marker,Marker, Genetic,Chromosome Marker,DNA Marker,Marker, Chromosome,Marker, DNA,Markers, Chromosome
D005854	Germ Cells	The reproductive cells in multicellular organisms at various stages during GAMETOGENESIS.	Gamete,Gametes,Germ-Line Cells,Germ Line,Cell, Germ,Cell, Germ-Line,Cells, Germ,Cells, Germ-Line,Germ Cell,Germ Line Cells,Germ Lines,Germ-Line Cell
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D046509	Tissue Culture Techniques	A technique for maintaining or growing TISSUE in vitro, usually by DIFFUSION, perifusion, or PERFUSION. The tissue is cultured directly after removal from the host without being dispersed for cell culture.	Culture Technique, Tissue,Culture Techniques, Tissue,Tissue Culture Technique
D053595	Embryonic Stem Cells	Cells derived from the BLASTOCYST INNER CELL MASS which forms before implantation in the uterine wall. They retain the ability to divide, proliferate and provide progenitor cells that can differentiate into specialized cells.	Stem Cells, Embryonic,Cell, Embryonic Stem,Cells, Embryonic Stem,Embryonic Stem Cell,Stem Cell, Embryonic
D018507	Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental	Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control of gene action during the developmental stages of an organism.	Developmental Gene Expression Regulation,Embryologic Gene Expression Regulation,Gene Expression Regulation, Embryologic,Regulation of Gene Expression, Developmental,Regulation of Gene Expression, Embryologic,Regulation, Gene Expression, Developmental,Regulation, Gene Expression, Embryologic