title: Reconstitution of gametogenesis in vitro: meiosis is the biggest obstacle.
abstract: Germ-line cells are responsible for transmitting genetic and epigenetic information across generations, and ensuring the creation of new individuals from one generation to the next. Gametogenesis process requires several rigorous steps, including primordial germ cell (PGC) specification, proliferation, migration to the gonadal ridges and differentiation into mature gametes such as sperms and oocytes. But this process is not clearly explored because a small number of PGCs are deeply embedded in the developing embryo. In the attempt to establish an in vitro model for understanding gametogenesis process well, several groups have made considerable progress in differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells (ASCs) into germ-like cells over the past ten years. These stem cell-derived germ cells appear to be capable of undergoing meiosis and generating both male and female gametes. But most of gametes turn out to be not fully functional due to their abnormal meiosis process compared to endogenous germ cells. Therefore, a robust system of differentiating stem cells into germ cells would enable us to investigate the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors associated with germ cell development. Here, we review the stem cell-derived germ cell development, and discuss the potential and challenges in the differentiation of functional germ cells from stem cells.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
authors.forename: Yuan-Chao
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
authors.forename: Shun-Feng
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China. Electronic address: shenwei427@163.com.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shen
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D057026:Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D008540:Meiosis / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*
keywords: Differentiation; Gametogenesis; Germ cells; Meiosis; Stem cells