TGFbeta superfamily members in spermatogenesis: setting the stage for fertility in mouse and Drosophila.
Male germ cell development involves a tightly controlled sequence of differentiation switches, from the time that this lineage is specified in the embryo to the moment of sperm release for transport from the testis. Recent research findings and technological advances have allowed key mediators of developmental switches to be identified, and several members of the TGFbeta superfamily of ligands have been implicated at distinct points of male gamete formation and spermatogenesis. This paper reviews the multiple points of control mediated by TGFbeta superfamily signalling molecules during differentiation of the mammalian male germ cell. Comparisons have been made with the Drosophila testis for which genetic analysis has yielded new information concerning the roles of TGFbeta signalling in early germ cell differentiation.
Loveland
Kate Lakoski
KL
Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. kate.loveland@med.monash.edu.au
Hime
Gary
G
D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D019070:Cell Lineage; D004330:Drosophila / Q000502:physiology*; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta