Pathway to Totipotency: Lessons from Germ Cells

Geraldine Seydoux, Robert E. Braun

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

284 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)891-904
Number of pages14
JournalCell
Volume127
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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