METHOD FOR MAINTENANCE AND PROPAGATION OF GERMLINE STEM CELLS USING MEMBERS OF THE TFG-B FAMILY OF GROWTH FACTORS

摘要

The TGF-&bgr; family of growth factors, particularly the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2/4 homolog decapentaplegic (dpp), are specifically required to maintain germline stem cells and promote their division. Overexpression of dpp blocks germline stem cell differentiation. Mutations in dpp or its receptor saxophone accelerate stem cell loss and retard stem cell division. dpp signaling is directly received by germline stem cells, and thus dpp signaling helps define a niche that controls germline stem cell proliferation.