Protecting and Diversifying the Germline

Genetics: A Periodical Record of Investigations Bearing on Heredity and Variation

Ryan J. Gleason^1¹  Toshie Kai^3²  Amit Anand^2³ 

[1] Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218^1;Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan^3;Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore 11760^2

关键词: oogenesis;    spermatogenesis;    germline stem cells;    somatic gonadal cells;    mitosis;    meiosis;    signaling pathways;    piRNA;    transcription;    chromatin regulator;    epigenetics;    FlyBook;   

DOI  :  10.1534/genetics.117.300208

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: Genetics Society of America

【 摘 要 】

Gametogenesis represents the most dramatic cellular differentiation pathways in both female and male flies. At the genome level, meiosis ensures that diploid germ cells become haploid gametes. At the epigenome level, extensive changes are required to turn on and shut off gene expression in a precise spatiotemporally controlled manner. Research applying conventional molecular genetics and cell biology, in combination with rapidly advancing genomic tools have helped us to investigate (1) how germ cells maintain lineage specificity throughout their adult reproductive lifetime; (2) what molecular mechanisms ensure proper oogenesis and spermatogenesis, as well as protect genome integrity of the germline; (3) how signaling pathways contribute to germline-soma communication; and (4) if such communication is important. In this chapter, we highlight recent discoveries that have improved our understanding of these questions. On the other hand, restarting a new life cycle upon fertilization is a unique challenge faced by gametes, raising questions that involve intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Therefore, we also discuss new developments that link changes during gametogenesis to early embryonic development—a rapidly growing field that promises to bring more understanding to some fundamental questions regarding metazoan development.

【 授权许可】

CC BY