Induction of Germ Cell-like Cells from Porcine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 6:6:27256. doi: 10.1038/srep27256.

Abstract

The ability to generate germ cells from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is valuable for human regenerative medicine and animal breeding. Germ cell-like cells (GCLCs) have been differentiated from mouse and human PSCs, but not from porcine PSCs, which are considered an ideal model for stem cell applications. Here, we developed a defined culture system for the induction of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from porcine induced PSCs (piPSCs). The identity of the PGCLCs was characterized by observing cell morphology, detecting germ cell marker gene expression and evaluating epigenetic properties. PGCLCs could further differentiate into spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) in vitro. Importantly, meiosis occurred during SSCLC induction. Xenotransplantation of GCLCs into seminiferous tubules of infertile immunodeficient mice resulted in immunohistochemically identifiable germ cells in vivo. Overall, our study provides a feasible strategy for directing piPSCs to the germ cell fate and lays a foundation for exploring germ cell development mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Germline Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Adult Germline Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Genetic Markers / genetics*
  • Germ Cells / cytology*
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Germ Cells / transplantation
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Male
  • Meiosis
  • Mice
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Swine
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Genetic Markers