Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2021
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V50
Höfundar / Authors: Thejus Venkatesh, Erna magnusdottir
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: University of Iceland
Kynnir / Presenter: Thejus Venkatesh
In our project, we are examining the transcription factors associated with primordial germ cell (PGC) specification predominantly focusing on reproductive homeobox on the X chromosome (Rhox) genes. The Rhox genes are mainly expressed in reproductive tissues including in adult germ cells and during PGC specification. The functions of Rhox genes during PGC specification are not yet completely understood making them intriguing targets for us to study. PGC specification is initiated at embryonic day 6.5, a crucial event during embryonic development. Errors in PGC specification might lead to infertility or developmental abnormalities. Germ cells are the origin of new life forms, and they transmit genetic information to the future generation. Germ cells are derived from PGCs, which are the precursors of sperms and eggs in adults. Understanding the molecular mechanisms during PGC specification is crucial concerning germ cell development. We anticipate that the Rhox genes might have a crucial role in PGC specification during embryonic development. We are particularly focusing on studying the genes Rhox6 and Rhox5. During this study, we will be able to discover the novel function of the Rhox genes, which could be a significant step in the field of germ cell science. Here we are utilizing Rhox6 and Rhox5 CRISPR mutants to study these gene's functions during PGC specification by qPCR and Immunostaining, further accompanied by an auxin-inducible degron system where RHOX6-5 proteins can be depleted in mESCs. Preliminary data from the lab showed that knocking out Rhox6 in mESCs resulted in spherical morphology compared to wild-type mESCs. The spherical morphology observed in Rhox6 mutant mESCs persisted when Rhox6 mutant mESCs were differentiated to epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs). In conclusion, Rhox6 and Rhox5 might have a possible role during the transition from naïve to primed pluripotency state and in PGC specification.