Human germline differentiation charts a new course. (18th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Di; Clark, Amander T
• Is Part Of: EMBO journal. Volume 34:Number 8(2015)
• Page Start: 975
• Page End: 977
• Publication Date: 2015-03-18
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.15252/embj.201591447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-4189

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="embj201591447-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p content-type="executiveSummary">Understanding the molecular events of reproduction requires a system to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells to germline cells (gametes) <italic>in vitro</italic>. Such a system is not only critical to unlock the secrets of germline development; it may also allow screening for environmental agents that affect gametogenesis. Two recent papers, one in this issue of <italic>The EMBO Journal</italic>, have developed complementary approaches for generating human germline cells with unprecedented efficiency from pluripotent stem cells (Sugawa <italic>et al</italic>, 2015; Irie <italic>et al</italic>, 2015). This work illustrates the power and limitations of extrapolating molecular pathways for lineage differentiation from mice to humans and illuminates the importance of using human cell‐based models to study reproductive health.</p> </abstract>