Pathway to totipotency: lessons from germ cells.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2006
Keywords
Cell-Differentiation, Cytoplasm, Gene-Expression-Regulation, Germ-Cells, Humans, Pluripotent-Stem-Cells, Totipotent-Stem-Cells
First Page
891
Last Page
904
JAX Source
Cell 2006 Dec; 127(5):891-904.
Abstract
Oocytes and sperm are some of the most differentiated cells in our bodies, yet they generate all cell types after fertilization. Accumulating evidence suggests that this extraordinary potential is conferred to germ cells from the time of their formation during embryogenesis. In this Review, we describe common themes emerging from the study of germ cells in vertebrates and invertebrates. Transcriptional repression, chromatin remodeling, and an emphasis on posttranscriptional gene regulation preserve the totipotent genome of germ cells through generations.
Recommended Citation
Seydoux G,
Braun RE.
Pathway to totipotency: lessons from germ cells. Cell 2006 Dec; 127(5):891-904.