title: Induction of primordial germ cells from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells derived from adult hepatocytes.
abstract: Pluripotent stem cells can be established by various methods, but they share several cytological properties, including germ cell differentiation in vitro, independently of their origin. Although mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can produce functional gametes in vivo, it is still unclear whether or not they have the ability to produce presumptive germ cells in vitro. Here, we show that mouse iPS cells derived from adult hepatocytes were able to differentiate into presumptive germ cells marked by mouse vasa homolog (Mvh) expression in feeder-free or suspension cultures. Embryoid body (EB) formation from iPS cells also induced the formation of round-shaped cells resembling immature oocytes. Mvh(+) cells formed clumps by co-aggregation with differentiation-supporting cells, and increased expression of germ cell markers was detected in these cell aggregates. Differentiation culture of presumptive germ cells from iPS cells could provide a conventional system for facilitating our understanding of the mechanisms underlying direct reprogramming and germline competency.
authors: Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan. imamura@a5.keio.jp
authors: Masanori
authors: M
authors: Imamura
authors: Takashi
authors: T
authors: Aoi
authors: Ako
authors: A
authors: Tokumasu
authors: Nathan
authors: N
authors: Mise
authors: Kuniya
authors: K
authors: Abe
authors: Shinya
authors: S
authors: Yamanaka
authors: Toshiaki
authors: T
authors: Noce
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D058732:Embryoid Bodies / Q000166:cytology; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D057026:Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology; D012190:Retroviridae
chemical_list: C090864:Ddx4 protein, mouse; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases