Dazl Promotes Germ Cell Differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that through the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) germ cells can be derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we describe a transgene expression approach to derive germ cells directly from ES cells in vitro without EB formation. Through the ectopic expression of Deleted in Azoospermia-Like (Dazl), a germ cell-specific RNA-binding protein, both motile tailed-sperm and oocytes were induced from mouse ES (mES) cells in culture. Furthermore, transient overexpression of Dazl led to suppression of Nanog but induced germ cell nuclear antigen in mES cells. Dazl knockdown resulted in reduction in the expression of germ cell markers including Stella, MVH and Prdm1. Our study indicates that Dazl is a master gene controlling germ cell differentiation and that ectopic expression of Dazl promotes the dynamic differentiation of mouse ES cells into gametes in vitro.

Mice overexpression of <i>human augmenter of liver regeneration</i> (hALR) in male germ cells shows abnormal spermatogenesis and reduced fertility

“…4B). Dazl, which is expressed throughout spermatogenesis, was expressed in a similar manner in the testes of both wild-type and transgenic mice [28]. The expression of Kit, which marks the germ cells prior to preleptotene [29], did not exhibit significantly different expression patterns either.…”

Sex determination in mammalian germ cells: extrinsic versus intrinsic factors

“…In vitro, DAZL is necessary for the generation of EGCs from germ cells and important for the generation of germ cells from mESCs (Haston et al 2009). A recent report demonstrates that, when Dazl is overexpressed in mESCs, germ cells can be derived directly, without the need for embryoid body formation (Yu et al 2009). It is possible, therefore, that DAZL will prove to be a 'gonadal germ cell integrity' factor rather than just a 'meiosis competence' factor.…”

Crucial Genes and Pathways in Chicken Germ Stem Cell Differentiation

“…BMP signal from the embryonic ectoderm can induce the two key regulatory genes (Blimp1 and Prdm14) that are responsible for the PGC specialization (2). Dazl (deleted in azoospermia) is a major controlling gene of mouse germ cell differentiation, and its expression promotes ESC differentiation to gametes in vitro (3). Dann et al (4) used shRNA to inhibit Pou5f1, which resulted in the cloning reduction of the recipient mice SSCs after transplantation.…”