Abstract : Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated germ cells in embryos. We previously found that s
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Abstract : Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated germ cells in embryos. We previously found that some mouse PGCs develop into pluripotential cells (EG cells) when cultured on a feeder layer expressing the membrane bound form of Steel factor with culture medium containing LIF and bFGF. To understand the mechanisms of the conversion of PGCs into EG cells, we attempted to identify PGC subpopulations that have the ability to develop into EG cells. Using flow cytometry, we fractionated PGCs by the expression of the cell surface antigen integrin a6, as well as by the detection of side-population (SP) cells in which stem cells are enriched in various tissues. PGCs with negative or low integrin a6 expression and with SP cell phenotype showed higher potential to convert to EG cells. Negative or low integrin a6 expression in PGCs was also correlated with lower expression of Ddx4, which is specifically expressed in PGCs after E10.5. The results indicate that the primitive PGC population showing the SP cell phenotype among undifferentiated PGCs have higher ability to be converted into EG cells. Thus, conversion of PGCs into pluripotential stem cells may be regulated by being influenced by the natural status of individual PGCs as well as the reprogramming process after starting culture.- Slides
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