GSE116640 Segregation of the mammalian germline and soma is policed by Otx2

Contributors : Jingchao Zhang ; Man ZhangSeries Type : Expression profiling by arrayOrganism : Mus musculusThe successful segregation of germ cells from somatic lineages is vital for sexual reproduction and species survival. In the mouse, primordial germ cells (PGCs), precursors of all germ cells, are induced from the post-implantation epiblast. Induction requires BMP4 signalling to prospective PGCs and the intrinsic action of PGC transcription factors (TFs). However, the molecular mechanisms connecting BMP4 action to induction of PGC TFs that are responsible for segregation of PGCs from somatic lineages are unknown. Here we show that the transcription factor OTX2 is a key regulator of these processes. Down-regulation of Otx2 precedes the initiation of the PGC programme both in vitro and in vivo. Deletion of Otx2 in vitro dramatically increases PGCLC differentiation efficiency and prolongs the period of PGC competence. In the absence of Otx2 activity, PGCLC differentiation becomes independent of the otherwise essential cytokine signals, with germline entry initiating even in the absence of the PGC TF Blimp1. Deletion of Otx2 in vivo increases PGC numbers. These data demonstrate that Otx2 acts repressively upstream of PGC TFs and functions as a roadblock to prevent the untimely entry of pluripotent stem cells into the PGC lineage, thereby ensuring correct spatio-temporal segregation of the germline and soma.
Source: GEO: Gene Expression Omnibus - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Tags: Expression profiling by array Mus musculus Source Type: research