title: Human germline differentiation charts a new course.
abstract: Understanding the molecular events of reproduction requires a system to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells to germline cells (gametes) in vitro. Such a system is not only critical to unlock the secrets of germline development; it may also allow screening for environmental agents that affect gametogenesis. Two recent papers, one in this issue of TheEMBO Journal, have developed complementary approaches for generating human germline cells with unprecedented efficiency from pluripotent stem cells(Sugawa et al, 2015; Irie et al, 2015). This work illustrates the power and limitations of extrapolating molecular pathways for lineage differentiation from mice to humans and illuminates the importance of using human cell-based models to study reproductive health.
authors: Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors: Di
authors: D
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors: Amander T
authors: AT
authors: Clark
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D055760:SOXF Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D055760:SOXF Transcription Factors