Induction of Germ Cell-like Cells from Porcine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.
The ability to generate germ cells from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is valuable for human regenerative medicine and animal breeding. Germ cell-like cells (GCLCs) have been differentiated from mouse and human PSCs, but not from porcine PSCs, which are considered an ideal model for stem cell applications. Here, we developed a defined culture system for the induction of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from porcine induced PSCs (piPSCs). The identity of the PGCLCs was characterized by observing cell morphology, detecting germ cell marker gene expression and evaluating epigenetic properties. PGCLCs could further differentiate into spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) in vitro. Importantly, meiosis occurred during SSCLC induction. Xenotransplantation of GCLCs into seminiferous tubules of infertile immunodeficient mice resulted in immunohistochemically identifiable germ cells in vivo. Overall, our study provides a feasible strategy for directing piPSCs to the germ cell fate and lays a foundation for exploring germ cell development mechanisms.
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Hanning
H
Wang
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Jinzhu
J
Xiang
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Wei
W
Zhang
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Junhong
J
Li
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Qingqing
Q
Wei
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Liang
L
Zhong
Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China.
Hongsheng
H
Ouyang
State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Jianyong
J
Han
D000072956:Adult Germline Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation; D057026:Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis; D051379:Mice; D044968:Regenerative Medicine; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D005819:Genetic Markers