Differential expression of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the migratory pathway of the primordial germ cells of the mouse

Histochem Cell Biol. 2002 Jul;118(1):69-78. doi: 10.1007/s00418-002-0414-2. Epub 2002 Jun 26.

Abstract

Primordial germ cells are an embryonic cell line that give rise to gametes in vertebrates. They originate outside the embryo proper and migrate by a well-defined route to the genital ridges. Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans have distinctive properties that affect many of the characteristics of the extracellular microenvironment of migratory pathways in a variety of developmental systems. The purpose of this work was to identify the proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans that are spatially and temporally expressed in the migratory pathway of primordial germ cells. We showed that the expression of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in the primordial germ cells migratory pathway changes according to the different phases of the migratory process. Some molecules such as chondroitin-0-sulfate, decorin, and biglycan are present only in certain phases of the migratory process of primordial germ cells. Heparan sulfate, chondroitin-6-sulfate, versican, perlecan, and syndecan-4, although exhibiting some variation in expression were detected during all phases of the migratory process. Our results indicate that the successive steps of primordial germ cell migration require a coordinated expression of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, that should be present in appropriate levels and in specific areas of the embryo, and that the sequential expression of these extracellular matrix molecules is under a genetic program that appears to be common to a variety of cell types during embryonic development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Germ Cells / cytology*
  • Germ Cells / metabolism*
  • Glycosaminoglycans / biosynthesis*
  • Glycosaminoglycans / classification
  • Glycosaminoglycans / physiology
  • Mice
  • Proteoglycans / biosynthesis*
  • Proteoglycans / classification
  • Proteoglycans / physiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Glycosaminoglycans
  • Proteoglycans