Chapter 3 - A change in culture: Modeling human germ cell development in vitro

Abstract

Studying human germline development presents many challenges. In particular, primordial germ cell (PGC) specification and PGC migration occur shortly after implantation when the developing embryo is largely inaccessible. Profiling of later stage gonadal PGCs has allowed comparison with mouse and other species, revealing not only many similarities but also notable differences. Recently, in vitro systems to generate functional PGCs from pluripotent stem cells have been established in mouse. These protocols are easily adapted to human, suggesting remarkable conservation in PGC specification mechanisms. Such in vitro systems may now provide an important tool in which to study early human germline development and disease. Here, we review the recent advances both in vivo and in vitro, and how these may influence the study of the human germline in the years to come.