Branched germline cysts and female-specific cyst fragmentation facilitate oocyte determination in mice.

ABSTRACT: During mouse gametogenesis, germ cells derived from the same progenitor are connected via intercellular bridges forming germline cysts, within which asymmetrical or symmetrical cell fate occurs in female and male germ cells, respectively. Here, we have identified branched cyst structures in mice, and investigated their formation and function in oocyte determination. In fetal female cysts, 16.8% of the germ cells are connected by three or four bridges, namely branching germ cells. These germ cells are preferentially protected from cell death and cyst fragmentation and accumulate cytoplasm and organelles from sister germ cells to become primary oocytes. Changes in cyst structure and differential cell volumes among cyst germ cells suggest that cytoplasmic transport in germline cysts is conduc

SUBMITTER: Ikami K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10194012 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature