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Somatic gonadal cells: The supporting cast for the germline
Author(s) -
Jemc Jennifer C.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/dvg.20784
Subject(s) - germline , somatic cell , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , gonad , germ cell , context (archaeology) , drosophila melanogaster , germ plasm , cell adhesion , stem cell , morphogenesis , genetics , cell , anatomy , embryo , gene , paleontology
Cell‐cell signaling and adhesion are critical for establishing tissue architecture during development and for maintaining tissue architecture and function in the adult. Defects in adhesion and signaling can result in mislocalization of cells, uncontrolled proliferation and improper differentiation, leading to tissue overgrowth, tumor formation, and cancer metastasis. An important example is found in the germline. Germ cells that are not incorporated into the gonad exhibit a greater propensity for forming germ cell tumors, and defects in germline development can reduce fertility. While much attention is given to germ cells, their development into functional gametes depends upon somatic gonadal cells. The study of model organisms has provided great insights into how somatic gonadal cells are specified, the molecular mechanisms that regulate gonad morphogenesis, and the role of germline‐soma communication in the establishment and maintenance of the germline stem cell niche. This work will be discussed in the context of Drosophila melanogaster . genesis 49:753–775, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.