Versatile Germline Genes

摘要

Animal germline cells ultimately produce eggs and sperm, providing an immortal link to the next generation. Establishing and maintaining the germline requires a conserved gene set (1), but traditionally classified "germline genes" may have a broader role in development than originally anticipated. Recent findings from less well-studied animal models suggest that in some taxa, germline genes appear to specify a mul-tipotent cell lineage during embryogenesis, the fates of which include both somatic cells and the germ line.