The Nanos3-3'UTR is required for germ cell specific NANOS3 expression in mouse embryos.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The regulation of gene expression via a 3' untranslated region (UTR) plays essential roles in the discrimination of the germ cell lineage from somatic cells during embryogenesis. This is fundamental to the continuation of a species. Mouse NANOS3 is an essential protein required for the germ cell maintenance and is specifically expressed in these cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms that restrict the expression of this gene in the germ cells is largely unknown at present.

Methodology/principal findings

In our current study, we show that differences in the stability of Nanos3 mRNA between germ cells and somatic cells is brought about in a 3'UTR-dependent manner in mouse embryos. Although Nanos3 is transcribed in both cell lineages, it is efficiently translated

SUBMITTER: Suzuki H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2823788 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature