Primordial germ cell migration and the Wnt signaling pathway

Abstract

A critical step in the development of gametes is the migration of their primordial germ cell (PGC) precursors to the forming gonads. Although the location and mode of PGC specification differs between organisms, the formation of a committed germline before organogenesis creates a need for migration through the growing embryo in order to reach the site of gonadogenesis. Failure of PGC migration can, in many cases, compromise fertility or conversely lead to the formation of teratomas in sites outside of the gonad. Here we review the mechanism of migration employed by PGCs and compare the timing and routes across several model organisms. We summarize recent work on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in cell migration and the lineage specific function in PGCs, mainly through the ligand Wnt5a and its receptor Ror2.

Expression profiling of stemness markers in testicular germline stem cells from neonatal and adult Swiss albino mice during their transdifferentiation in vitro

“…Further, involvement of BMP and upregulation of Wnt signalling during transdifferentiation from cornea to lens in Xenopus laevis was reported [ 60 ]. BMPs and WNT mediated signalling are implicated in early and late germ cell development like PGC induction, proliferation, migration and gametogenesis [ 61 , 62 ]. Therefore, the embryoid body like body formation from SSC colonies might also have utilized BMP and WNT mediated dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation processes.…”

Female Germ Cell Development, Functioning and Associated Adversities Under Unfavorable Circumstances

“…Similarly, no PRDM1 positive PGCs were observed in mutant mouse embryos which undergo targeted deletion of Wnt3 [5]. Wnt signaling pathway involving Wnt5a and its receptor Ror2 has also been associated with successful migration and functionality of PGCs [12]. These findings strongly advocate the utility and role of BMP and Wnt signaling pathways in development, migration and proper functioning of the developing PGCs which further determines the specification and development of gametes.…”

“…Moreover without its expression, germ cell detection in the ovary and testis is not possible [15,33]. Failure in migration can cause developmental issues and infertility, and also may cause teratoma formation in extra gonadal regions [12]. At around E11.5, most PGCs are migrated towards genital ridges and become populated there at around E12.5.…”

Female Germ Cell Development, Functioning and Associated Adversities under Unfavorable Circumstances

“…Similarly, no PRDM1 positive PGCs were observed in mutant mouse embryos which undergo targeted deletion of Wnt3 [ 5 ]. The Wnt signaling pathway involving Wnt5a and its receptor Ror2 has also been associated with successful migration and functionality of PGCs [ 12 ]. These findings strongly advocate the utility and role of BMP and Wnt signaling pathways in development, migration and proper functioning of the developing PGCs which further determines the specification and development of gametes.…”

“…Moreover, without its expression, germ cell detection in the ovary and testis is not possible [ 15 , 34 ]. Failure in migration can cause developmental issues and infertility, and also may cause teratoma formation in extra gonadal regions [ 12 ]. At around E11.5, most PGCs are migrated towards genital ridges and become populated there at around E12.5.…”