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Review
. 2011 Dec 27;366(1584):3521-31.
doi: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0081.

Regulation of entry into gametogenesis

Folkert J van Werven  1 , Angelika Amon
Affiliations
Review

Regulation of entry into gametogenesis

Folkert J van Werven et al. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. .

Abstract

Gametogenesis is a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. In the unicellular fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), where this developmental programme has been extensively studied, entry into gametogenesis requires the convergence of multiple signals on the promoter of a master regulator. Starvation signals and cellular mating-type information promote the transcription of cell fate inducers, which in turn initiate a transcriptional cascade that propels a unique type of cell division, meiosis, and gamete morphogenesis. Here, we will provide an overview of how entry into gametogenesis is initiated in budding and fission yeast and discuss potential conserved features in the germ cell development of higher eukaryotes.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic of the signals controlling entry into sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nutritional signals, respiration and mating-type control converge at the IME1 promoter to induce gametogenesis. Ime1 together with Ume6 induces the transcription of early meiotic genes. Subsequently, a cascade of middle and late meiotic genes is induced to complete the sporulation programme. See text for details.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Schematic of the signals controlling entry into sporulation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Nutritional signals converge at the ste11+ promoter. Subsequently, Ste11 induces mating and sporulation. See text for details.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Schematic of how germ cell fate is established in mice. Cell intrinsic (DAZL activity) and extrinsic (RA) signals converge to regulate Stra8 expression. Adapted from [84,85]. See text for details.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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