Journal
GENETICS
Volume 208, Issue 2, Pages 435-471Publisher
GENETICS SOCIETY AMERICA
DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300208
Keywords
oogenesis; spermatogenesis; germline stem cells; somatic gonadal cells; mitosis; meiosis; signaling pathways; piRNA; transcription; chromatin regulator; epigenetics; FlyBook
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Funding
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) [F32GM119347-02]
- Japan Society for the Pormotion of Science (JSPS) [26291048]
- Naito Foundation
- NIH [RO1GM112008, R21HD084959]
- David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Simons Foundation
- Johns Hopkins University
- Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research [26291048] Funding Source: KAKEN
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Gametogenesis represents the most dramatic cellular differentiation pathways in both female and male flies. At the genome level, meiosis ensures that diploid germ cells become haploid gametes. At the epigenome level, extensive changes are required to turn on and shut off gene expression in a precise spatiotemporally controlled manner. Research applying conventional molecular genetics and cell biology, in combination with rapidly advancing genomic tools have helped us to investigate (1) how germ cells maintain lineage specificity throughout their adult reproductive lifetime; (2) what molecular mechanisms ensure proper oogenesis and spermatogenesis, as well as protect genome integrity of the germline; (3) how signaling pathways contribute to germline-soma communication; and (4) if such communication is important. In this chapter, we highlight recent discoveries that have improved our understanding of these questions. On the other hand, restarting a new life cycle upon fertilization is a unique challenge faced by gametes, raising questions that involve intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Therefore, we also discuss new developments that link changes during gametogenesis to early embryonic developmenta rapidly growing field that promises to bring more understanding to some fundamental questions regarding metazoan development.
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