Cholesterol's Role in Germ Cell Migration in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Ding Jiaxi, Jiang DeChen, Kurczy Michael, Nalepka Jennifer, Dudley Brian, Merkel Erin I, Porter Forbes D, Ewing Andrew G, Winograd Nicholas, Burgess James, Molyneaux Kathleen
Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Hypothesis
Is cholesterol necessary for the migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in mice?
Conclusion
Cholesterol is essential for the survival and movement of primordial germ cells during their migration in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Cholesterol was found to accumulate in the developing gonads as germ cells migrate.
- Inhibition of HMGCR led to defects in germ cell survival and migration.
- Co-addition of isoprenoids and cholesterol rescued migration defects.
Takeaway
Cholesterol helps tiny cells called primordial germ cells move to where they need to go in developing mice, kind of like a guide.
Methodology
The study used organ culture systems to observe the effects of cholesterol and statins on PGC survival and migration.
Limitations
The study could not examine PGCs in animals lacking HMGCR due to early embryonic lethality.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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