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Review
. 2019:132:257-310.
doi: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2018.12.006. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Gametogenesis: A journey from inception to conception

Hailey Larose  1 , Adrienne Niederriter Shami  1 , Haley Abbott  2 , Gabriel Manske  1 , Lei Lei  3 , Saher Sue Hammoud  4
Affiliations
Review

Gametogenesis: A journey from inception to conception

Hailey Larose et al. Curr Top Dev Biol. 2019.

Abstract

Gametogenesis, the process of forming mature germ cells, is an integral part of both an individual's and a species' health and well-being. This chapter focuses on critical male and female genetic and epigenetic processes underlying normal gamete formation through their differentiation to fertilization. Finally, we explore how knowledge gained from this field has contributed to progress in areas with great clinical promise, such as in vitro gametogenesis.

Keywords: Early embryo development; Epigenetics; Gametogenesis; Germ cells; Oogenesis; Reprogramming; Sex determination; Spermatogenesis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PGC specification in mice and humans during gastrulation. PGC specification in mice and humans during gastrulation. Adapted from Kobayashi, T., & Surani, M. A. (2018). On the origin of the human germline. Development, 145(16). doi:10.1242/dev.150433.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The process of oogenesis in mammals. The process of oogenesis in mammals. Adapted from Ikami, K., Nuzhat, N., & Lei, L. (2017). Organelle transport during mouse oocyte differentiation in germline cysts. Current Opinion in Cell Biology, 44, 14–19. doi:10.1016/j.ceb.2016.12.002.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Fig. 3. (A) Schematic overview of testis cross section with major somatic and germ cell types shown, along with select paracrine and endocrine signaling molecules. (B) Progression of spermatogenesis. BTB, blood-testis barrier; FSH, follicle stimulating hormone; GDNF, Glial derived neutrophic factor; LH, luteinizing hormone; RA, Retinoic acid; T, testosterone.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Epigenetic dynamics during germ cell specification, gametogenesis, and early development.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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