MicroRNAs 221 and 222 regulate the undifferentiated state in mammalian male germ cells.

ABSTRACT: Continuity of cycling cell lineages relies on the activities of undifferentiated stem cell-containing subpopulations. Transition to a differentiating state must occur periodically in a fraction of the population to supply mature cells, coincident with maintenance of the undifferentiated state in others to sustain a foundational stem cell pool. At present, molecular mechanisms regulating these activities are poorly defined for most cell lineages. Spermatogenesis is a model process that is supported by an undifferentiated spermatogonial population and transition to a differentiating state involves attained expression of the KIT receptor. We found that impaired function of the X chromosome-clustered microRNAs 221 and 222 (miR-221/222) in mouse undifferentiated spermatogonia induces transition

SUBMITTER: Yang QE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3597206 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature