Porcine Germ Cells Phenotype during Embryonic and Adult Development

Simple Summary The lineage of germ cells (GCs) ensures the perpetuation and diversification of genetic information across generations in most vertebral organisms. As part of their development into functional gametes, PGCs undergo extensive genetic and epigenetic modifications during their specification and development. We aimed to understand the dynamics of pluripotent, germline, and epigenetic markers of porcine PGCs (pPGCs) during the gestational and adult periods in both genders. The results demonstrated morphological differences between embryonic/fetal ages and genders in the expression of pluripotency and germinal markers. Additionally, different patterns of epigenetic markers were found at these embryonic/fetal ages. These findings are significant to the field of germ cells because they exhibit the progression of a variety of markers during pPGCs, and they may allow their use in applied science such as reproductive and regenerative medicine. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of gametes. Due to their importance for the formation and reproduction of an organism, understanding the mechanisms and pathways of PGCs and the differences between males and females is essential. However, there is little research in domestic animals, e.g., swine, regarding the epigenetic and pluripotency profiles of PGCs during development. This study analyzed the expression of epigenetic and various pluripotent and germline markers associated with the development and differentiation of PGCs in porcine (pPGCs), aiming to understand the different gene expression profiles between the genders. The analysis of gonads at different gestational periods (from 24 to 35 days post fertilization (dpf) and in adults) was evaluated by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR and showed phenotypic differences between the gonads of male and female embryos. In addition, the pPGCs were positive for OCT4 and VASA; some cells were H3k27me3 positive in male embryos and adult testes. In adults, the cells of the testes were positive for germline markers, as confirmed by gene expression analysis. The results may contribute to understanding the pPGC pathways during reproductive development, while also contributing to the knowledge needed to generate mature gametes in vitro.

Automated summary

This study examines the dynamics of pluripotent, germline, and epigenetic markers in porcine germ cells during development and provides insights into the potential applications in reproductive and regenerative medicine.