Abstract
Continuation of mammalian species requires the formation and development of the sexually dimorphic germ cells. Cultured embryonic stem cells are generally considered pluripotent rather than totipotent because of the failure to detect germline cells under differentiating conditions. Here we show that mouse embryonic stem cells in culture can develop into oogonia that enter meiosis, recruit adjacent cells to form follicle-like structures, and later develop into blastocysts. Oogenesis in culture should contribute to various areas, including nuclear transfer and manipulation of the germ line, and advance studies on fertility treatment and germ and somatic cell interaction and differentiation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Biomarkers / analysis
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Blastocyst / cytology
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Blastocyst / physiology*
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Cell Adhesion
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Cell Aggregation
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Cell Differentiation*
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Cell Lineage
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Cell Separation
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Cells, Cultured
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
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Estradiol / metabolism
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Female
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Gene Expression
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Genes, Reporter
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Meiosis
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3
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Oocytes / cytology
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Oocytes / physiology*
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Oogenesis*
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Ovarian Follicle / cytology
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Ovarian Follicle / physiology
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Totipotent Stem Cells / physiology*
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Transcription Factors*
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Transfection
Substances
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Biomarkers
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3
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Pou5f1 protein, mouse
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Estradiol