胚胎干细胞向生殖细胞分化的研究进展

生殖细胞来源于原始生殖细胞,其在体内的分化机制已基本清楚。随着生殖细胞研究的不断深入,通过体外诱导途径获得生殖细胞已成为现实。将胚胎干细胞体外分化为上胚层样细胞,进而分化为原始生殖样或原始生殖细胞。将它们迁移入胎儿生殖腺,具有减数分裂及产生精子能力,与卵子结合移入缺生精管的生殖腺的新生鼠可以产生健康后代。为此,体外诱导生殖细胞的成功,进一步阐明了胚胎干细胞向生殖细胞分化的机制,为更有效利用干细胞造福人类奠定了基础。

Research Progress of Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiating into Germ Cell

The germ cells come from the primordial germ cells(PGCs), in vivo differentiation mechanism of which has been basically understood. With the development of germ cell studies, in vitro induction of germ cells has become the reality. Embryonic stem cells(ESCs) can be induced to differentiate into epiblast-like cells, then into primordial germ-like or primordial germ cells. When transferred into fetal gland they have the abilities to undergo meiosis and create sperm; when transferred together with ovum into gonad of newly born mouse lacking of seminiferous tubule, they can engender healthy offspring. Therefore, induction of germ cells in vitro further elucidates the mechanism of the ESCs differentiating into germ cells, and lays the foundation for more effective utilization of stem cells to benefit mankind.