Primordial germ cell-like cells differentiated in vitro from skin-derived stem cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We have previously demonstrated that stem cells isolated from fetal porcine skin have the potential to form oocyte-like cells (OLCs) in vitro. However, primordial germ cells (PGCs), which must also be specified during the stem cell differentiation to give rise to these putative oocytes at more advanced stages of culture, were not systematically characterized. The current study tested the hypothesis that a morphologically distinct population of cells derived from skin stem cells prior to OLC formation corresponds to putative PGCs, which differentiate further into more mature gametes.

Methodology/principal findings

When induced to differentiate in an appropriate microenvironment, a subpopulation of morphologically distinct cells, some of which are alkaline phosphata

SUBMITTER: Linher K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2788220 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature