猪原始生殖细胞的分离、培养与鉴定

Embryonic germ cells (EG cells) are pluripotential undifferentiated stem cells isolated from cultured primordial germ cells (PGCs). Like ES cells, EG cells are of importance for gene targeting, therapeutical cloning and organ trans-plantation. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize EG cells from porcine PGCs. The genital ridges from 24- 26 days old porcine embryos were treated in 0.02% EDTA for 20 min and pricked with a needle to release PGCs. The isolated PGCs were cultured on a SNL feeder layer in an EG cell medium. The EG cell medium consisted of Dulbecco‘‘s modified Eagle‘‘ s medium (DMEM) supplemented with 20 % Buffalo rat lever (BRL) cell-conditioned medium, 15 % fe-tal bovine serum, 1 mmol L-glutamine, 0.1 mol nonessential amino acids, 10 μmol β-mercaptoethanol and antibiotics.The freshly isolated PGCs were positive for alkaline phosphatase activity and Periodic acid-Schiff‘‘ s staining. Under this culture regime, PGCs could be maintained in an undifferentiated state and used for further cultures. One strain of the cul-tured PGCs was cultured 8 times, and alkaline phosphatase activity was detected in the colony formed from this strain.These cultured PGCs could spontaneously differentiate into fibroblast-like cells. These data suggested that we had success-fully isolated EG-like cells from oorcine PGCs.     

鸡胚不同发育时期原始生殖细胞的分离方法

采用Ficoll密度梯度离心法和EDTA-胰酶酶解法两种方法,分别提取第14期(孵化53h)血液、第19期(孵化72h)和第28期(孵化132h)生殖腺中的PGCs,以比较两种分离方法对3个发育时期的鸡胚原始生殖细胞在相同体外培养条件下存活时间的差异。结果发现,两种分离方法均能分离到一定数量的原始生殖细胞,但是酶解法分离到的原始生殖细胞的相对数量较Ficoll密度梯度离心法的多,存活时间较长,是一种适宜的分离方法;对鸡胚发育第14、19、28期3个时期提取的原始生殖细胞进行体外培养,存活时间分别为：72h、88h和80h,三者之间差异显著。结果表明：在鸡胚孵化的第19期,因原始生殖细胞大量聚集在肢体后端的生殖嵴原基处,因而较容易收集,体外培养较为适宜,具有较强的可操作性[动物学报49(6)：835～842,2003]。     

On the fate of primordial germ cells injected into early mouse embryos

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the founder cells of the germline. Via gametogenesis and fertilisation this lineage generates a new embryo in the next generation. PGCs are also the cell of origin of multilineage teratocarcinomas. In vitro, mouse PGCs can give rise to embryonic germ (EG) cells – pluripotent stem cells that can contribute to primary chimaeras when introduced into pre-implantation embryos. Thus, PGCs can give rise to pluripotent cells in the course of the developmental cycle, during teratocarcinogenesis and by in vitro culture. However, there is no evidence that PGCs can differentiate directly into somatic cell types. Furthermore, it is generally assumed that PGCs do not contribute to chimaeras following injection into the early mouse embryo. However, these data have never been formally published. Here, we present the primary data from the original PGC-injection experiments performed 40 years ago, alongside results from more recent studies in three separate laboratories. These results have informed and influenced current models of the relationship between pluripotency and the germline cycle. Current technologies allow further experiments to confirm and expand upon these findings and allow definitive conclusions as to the developmental potency of PGCs.     

牛胚胎生殖细胞的分离与培养

胚胎生殖细胞 (Embryonicgermcells,EG)是由生殖嵴原始生殖细胞 (Primordialgermcells,PGCs)中分离得到的一种未分化而多潜能的干细胞。牛EG细胞的研究在EG细胞核移植、转基因及建立生物反应器方面具有广阔的应用前景。本研究从 2 9- 70日龄牛胎儿PGCs分离得到EG细胞 ,经过抑制分化培养 ,其中一个细胞系传至 6代。所分离得到的EG细胞具有典型的EG细胞形态 ,AP及PAS染色呈阳性 ,核型正常 ,同时观察到这些细胞在体外进行自发性分化 ,可形成类胚体、成纤维样细胞及神经样细胞     

禽类原始生殖细胞的迁移能力

Blood samples were collected from chicken embryos at stage 11-15,and labeled with fluorescent dye PKH26.Primordial germ cells (PGCs)were then isolated from blood samples by nycodenz density gradient centrifugation.After PGCs were labeled and isolated,about 200 PGCs in one microliter were injected into the subgerminal cavity of quail blastoderm at stageX.After 48 hours incubation,chicken PGCs were identified by fluorescent microscopy.Red fluorescence emitted from PKH26 labeled chicken PGCs was observed in the head, the heart and the developing gonadal anlage of quail embryos.The result suggests that chicken PGCs still keep migration ability after 56 hours[Acta Zoologica Sinica 49(6):868-872,2003].     

Metastable primordial germ cell-like state induced from mouse embryonic stem cells by Akt activation

Specification to primordial germ cells (PGCs) is mediated by mesoderm-induction signals during gastrulation. We found that Akt activation during in vitro mesodermal differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) generated self-renewing spheres with differentiation states between those of ESCs and PGCs. Essential regulators for PGC specification and their downstream germ cell-specific genes were expressed in the spheres, indicating that the sphere cells had commenced differentiation to the germ lineage. However, the spheres did not proceed to spermatogenesis after transplantation into testes. Sphere cell transfer to the original feeder-free ESC cultures resulted in chaotic differentiation. In contrast, when the spheres were cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblasts or in the presence of ERK-cascade and GSK3 inhibitors, reversion to the ESC-like state was observed. These results indicate that Akt signaling promotes a novel metastable and pluripotent state that is intermediate to those of ESCs and PGCs.     

Collagen and tenascin-C expression along the migration pathway of mouse primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the progenitor cells of the vertebrate germ line. These cells originate outside of the embryo and, through separation, migration, and colonization, arrive at the genital ridge, contributing to gonad development. Diverse extracellular matrix molecules are present along the PGC migratory pathway, permitting or inhibiting PGC displacement. Collagens and tenascin form the substratum for in vitro migration of neural crest cells and PGCs. However, little is known about the expression and distribution of these molecules during in situ PGC migration. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified tenascin-C and types I, III, and V collagen along the mouse PGC migration pathway. These molecules were spatiotemporally expressed in basement membranes of hindgut, coelomic epithelia, and mesonephric tubules and mesenchyme throughout the study. Our results complement previous data from our laboratory and contribute to building comprehension of the composition of the mouse PGC migratory pathway extracellular matrix, thereby enhancing understanding of the process.     

Expression of EGFL7 in primordial germ cells and in adult ovaries and testes

We have previously reported the isolation and characterization of a novel endothelial-restricted gene, Egfl7, that encodes a secreted protein of about 30-kDa. We and others demonstrated that Egfl7 is highly expressed by endothelial cells during embryonic development and becomes down-regulated in the adult vasculature. In the present paper, we show that during mouse embryonic development, Egfl7 is also expressed by primordial germ cells (PGC). Expression is down-regulated when PGCs differentiate into pro-spermatogonia and oogonia, and by 15.5 dpc Egfl7 can no longer be detected in the germ line of both sexes. Notably, Egfl7 is again transiently up-regulated in germ cells of the adult testis. In contrast, expression in the ovary remains limited to the vascular endothelium. Our results provide the first evidence of a non-endothelial expression of EGFL7 and suggest distinctive roles for Egfl7 in vascular development and germ cell differentiation.     

Changes in number,cell shape and adhesiveness induced by dopamine on chick primordial germ cells

Summary Dopamine (DA), injected beneath the blastodisc of the chick embryo before the beginning of incubation, induced an approximately 2.5 times increase in the total number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) at the definitive primitive streak stage. It also produced changes in the shape and behaviour of PGCs since more than half of them adhered to one another, forming groups or chains of three or more cells and, in contrast to their characteristic spherical form, most single PGCs displayed a fibroblastic appearance. On the 2nd day of incubation most PGCs remained adherent to each other, which did not hinder them from entering the extra-embryonic blood vessels of the crescent. Ultrastructural analysis showed that PGCs adhered to each other by large areas of cell membrane apposition and specialized adhesive structures, such as tight junctions and desmosomes. PGCs also displayed many lamellipodial and filopodial processes. The effects of DA on PGCs were prevented by either glucose or EDTA. Although it is difficult to account for the effect of glucose, the effect of EDTA suggests that the action of DA may be calcium-dependent.     

Continuing primordial germ cell differentiation in the mouse embryo is a cell-intrinsic program sensitive to DNA methylation

The initial cohort of mammalian gametes is established by the proliferation of primordial germ cells in the early embryo. Primordial germ cells first appear in extraembyronic tissues and subsequently migrate to the developing gonad. Soon after they arrive in the gonad, the germ cells cease dividing and undertake sexually dimorphic patterns of development. Male germ cells arrest mitotically, while female germ cells directly enter meiotic prophase I. These sex-specific differentiation events are imposed upon a group of sex-common differentiation events that are shared by XX and XY germ cells. We have studied the appearance of GCNA1, a postmigratory sex-common germ cell marker, in cultures of premigratory germ cells to investigate how this differentiation program is regulated. Cultures in which proliferation was either inhibited or stimulated displayed a similar extent of differentiation as controls, suggesting that some differentiation events are the result of a cell-intrinsic program and are independent of cell proliferation. We also found that GCNA1 expression was accelerated by agents which promote DNA demethylation or histone acetylation. These results suggest that genomic demethylation of proliferative phase primordial germ cells is a mechanism by which germ cell maturation is coordinated.     

Changes in the morphology of the germinal dense bodies in primordial germ cells of the teleost,Oryzias latipes

Summary In many organisms, the germinal dense bodies (GDBs) are known to be organelles unique to the cells of germ-line. In the present study, GDBs in primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the teleost, Oryzias latipes, were examined by electron microscopy. An obvious change was noticed in the morphology of GDBs. In PGCs situated in the endoderm, GDBs consisted of a loosely woven strand-like structure, whereas, GDBs in PGCs in the gonadal anlage, which were amorphous bodies of various sizes and shapes, were composed of electron-dense fine fibrils. The changes in the morphology of GDBs proceeded gradually according to the progress of the stages in migration of the PGCs. GDBs of intermediate morphology were found. The change in the morphology of the GDBs began at the stage of movement of the PGCs from endoderm to mesoderm. It is suggested that the differentiation of PGCs proceeds during their migratory stages under the influence of surrounding somatic cells.     

Effects of the removal of neural crest anlage upon endodermal morphogenesis and primordial germ cells migration in toad embryo

Summary The anlagen of neural tube or neural tube and neural crests were removed from toad embryos at the early neurula stage. The removal of the neural tube anlage does not affects the normal development of embryos. The removal of neural tube plus neural crest anlagen results in major disturbances of both endodermal morphogenesis and primordial germ cell migration. The possible indirect influence of neural crest cells upon the migration of the primordial germ cells is discussed. The neural crests cells could be involved in the formation and/or release of an attractive morphogen from embryonic chordomesoderm responsible for the migration of the primordial germ cells.     

Effects of an acute in vivo application of concanavalin A on the migration of avian primordial germ cells

Summary Embryos of the domestic fowl at stage 6 of development were treated with the lectin concanavalin A at a concentration of 10g/ml in the region of the germinal crescent for 3 h. This inhibits the migration of the primordial germ cells into the blood which otherwise occurs at stage 16 of development. An analysis of the numbers of primordial germ cells in the germinal crescent, blood, and germinal ridge shows that the lectin causes highly significant changes in their distribution. The pattern of settlement in the germinal ridge also appears to be delayed by the concanavalin treatment. The results of these experiments are discussed in relation to membrane receptors on the surface of primordial germ cells. The technique may be of use in modifying the germ line of transgenic birds by facilitating the introduction of exogenous cell lines.     

Histochemical in situ identification of bovine embryonic blood cells reveals differences to the adult haematopoietic system and suggests a close relationship between haematopoietic stem cells and primordial germ cells

Cryostat sections of bovine embryos of exactly known age (obtained from artificial insemination), ranging from 32 to 60 days post-insemination, were treated with a wide range of antibodies directed against cell surface antigens or lineage-specific factors in order to demonstrate different types of fetal blood cells and their precursors. An antibody specific to bovine c-kit (bk-1) stained not only presumptive haematopoietic stem cells in the dorsal aorta and the embryonic liver, but also a subpopulation of putative primordial germ cells in the gonadal anlage, the latter being further characterised by a positive labelling with the lectins STA, WFA and WGA and a histochemical reaction for alkaline phosphatase. The antibody against CD 45, commonly regarded as a pan-leukocyte marker, reacted in the bovine embryo with different types of blood cells, as well as with presumptive vasculogenetic cells and a subpopulation of putative primordial germ cells. CD 61 immunoreaction proved to be a useful tool for demonstrating megakaryocytopoiesis in the embryonic liver, in addition to the lumen of blood vessels and the mesonephros. Staining with BM-2 was restricted to a single population of medium-sized, round to oval cells, forming small groups within the parenchymal strands of the liver. Characterised furthermore by a U-shaped nucleus, this BM-2-positive cell type apparently represents a developmental stage in the granulopoietic lineage. B-lymphocytopoiesis in the bovine liver was detected with antibodies directed against WC-4 and IgM, but not until day 58 post-insemination. Using antibodies to CD 14, no positive results could be obtained in embryonic tissues, although anti-CD 14-positive macrophages were easily recognised in lymph nodes of adult bovines. The antibody against CD 68, however, identified two populations of primitive macrophages in our samples. One population was located in parenchymal strands of the embryonic liver, probably acting as nursing cells for haematopoietic foci, and the other was observed intravasally in the sinusoids of the liver, most probably representing primitive Kupffer cells.     

Heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans modulate migration and survival in zebrafish primordial germ cells

Early in embryonic development, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are specified and migrate from the site of their origin to where the gonad develops, following a specific route. Heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HS-GAGs) are ubiquitous in extracellular matrix and the cell surface and have long been speculated to play a role during the migration of PGCs. In line with this speculation, whole-mount immunohistochemistry revealed the existence of HS-GAGs in the vicinity of migrating PGCs in early zebrafish embryos. To examine the roles of HS-GAGs during PGC migration, zebrafish heparanase 1 (hpse1), which degrades HS-GAGs, was cloned and overexpressed specifically in PGCs. The guidance signal for the migration of PGCs was disrupted with the overexpression of hpse1, as cluster formation and marginal localization at the blastoderm were significantly perturbed at 6 hours postfertilization. Furthermore, the number of PGCs was significantly decreased with the lack of vicinal HS-GAGs, as observed in the whole-mount in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR of the PGC marker gene vasa. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling indicated significantly increased apoptosis in PGCs overexpressing hpse1, suggesting that HS-GAGs contribute to the maintenance of PGC survival. In conclusion, HS-GAGs play multifaceted roles in PGCs during migration and are required both for guidance signals and multiplication of PGCs.     

Wingless signaling initiates mitosis of primordial germ cells during development in Drosophila

The germline cells of Drosophila are derived from pole cells, which form at the posterior pole of the blastoderm and become primordial germ cells (PGCs). To elucidate the signal transduction pathways for the development of embryonic PGCs, we examined the effects of various growth factors on the proliferation of PGCs. Up- and down-regulation of Wingless (Wg) in both of soma and PGCs caused an increase and a decrease in the number of PGCs, respectively. The Wg/β-catenin signaling pathway began to occur in PGCs at the same time as the PGCs began to divide during the embryonic stage in both sexes. In addition, PGCs were found to produce wg mRNA as they begin to divide. Thus, Wg functions as an autocrine factor to initiate mitosis in embryonic PGCs. Decapentaplegic affected the growth of PGCs from the end of the embryonic stage. The results indicate that these growth factors regulate the division of embryonic PGCs in a stage-specific manner.     

Heterogeneity in imprinted methylation patterns of pluripotent embryonic germ cells derived from pre-migratory mouse germ cells

Pluripotent stem cells, termed embryonic germ (EG) cells, have been generated from both human and mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs). Like embryonic stem (ES) cells, EG cells have the potential to differentiate into all germ layer derivatives and may also be important for any future clinical applications. The development of PGCs in vivo is accompanied by major epigenetic changes including DNA demethylation and imprint erasure. We have investigated the DNA methylation pattern of several imprinted genes and repetitive elements in mouse EG cell lines before and after differentiation. Analysed cell lines were derived soon after PGC specification, “early”, in comparison with EG cells derived after PGC colonisation of the genital ridge, “late” and embryonic stem (ES) cell lines, derived from the inner cell mass (ICM). Early EG cell lines showed strikingly heterogeneous DNA methylation patterns, in contrast to the uniformity of methylation pattern seen in somatic cells (control), late EG cell and ES cell lines. We also observed that all analysed XX cell lines exhibited less methylation than XY. We suggest that this heterogeneity may reflect the changes in DNA methylation taking place in the germ cell lineage soon after specification.