title: Apoptosis in the germ line.
abstract: Apoptosis is a critical process for regulating both the size and the quality of the male and female germ lines. In this review, we examine the importance of this process during embryonic development in establishing the pool of spermatogonial stem cells and primordial follicles that will ultimately define male and female fertility. We also consider the importance of apoptosis in controlling the number and quality of germ cells that eventually determine reproductive success. The biochemical details of the apoptotic process as it affects germ cells in the mature gonad still await resolution, as do the stimuli that persuade these cells to commit to a pathway that leads to cell death. Our ability to understand and ultimately control the reproductive potential of male and female mammals depends upon a deeper understanding of these fundamental processes.
authors.affiliation: School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia. john.aitken@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: R John
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Aitken
authors.forename: Jock K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Findlay
authors.forename: Karla J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Hutt
authors.forename: Jeff B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kerr
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male