Transcription factor-mediated germ cell induction in rats reveals ETV4 cooperates with germline specifiers.

ABSTRACT: The specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) marks a crucial branchpoint in early embryonic development. Studying the molecular mechanisms governing this process is crucial for understanding reproduction and evolution. Here, we identify transcription factors essential for PGC specification in rats using an in vitro system to induce PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent cells. Overexpression of Tbxt, a key mesodermal factor activating the germ cell program in epiblast-like cells, induces functional rat PGCLCs, similar to mice. However, unlike in mice, overexpression of the PGC specifiers (Prdm14, Blimp1, and Ap2γ) alone is not sufficient in rats; additional Activin and WNT signals are necessary for PGCLC induction. Through a candidate screen, we identified the transcription factor E

SUBMITTER: Oikawa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365847 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature