© 2011 • 222 pp., illus. (26 4C and 12 B&W images), index
Hardcover • £85.00 • ISBN  978-1-936113-51-4

In sexually reproducing organisms, germ cells give rise to gametes and serve as the link between generations. A key event during germ cell development is the decision to leave mitosis and enter meiosis, leading to the formation of mature eggs and sperm. Germ cell development involves unique gene expression programs and the establishment of epigenetic marks that ensure success during fertilization and embryo development.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this volume reviews the biology of germ cells in metazoans. The contributors describe the undifferentiated state of germline stem cells, the triggers for meiotic entry, and the transcriptional and post transcriptional controls during spermatogenesis and oogenesis that lead to the formation of mature gametes. The expression of sex linked genes and the establishment of genomic imprinting in the germline are also covered.

This volume, which includes discussions of gamete recognition proteins, egg activation, and genetic reprogramming following nuclear transfer, is an indispensable reference for cell, molecular, and developmental biologists and anyone wishing to understand the implications of germ cell biology for reproductive technologies.

Preface

Germline Stem Cells

Allan Spradling, Margaret T. Fuller, Robert E. Braun, and Shosei Yoshida

Molecular Regulation of the Mitosis/Meiosis Decision in Multicellular Organisms

Judith Kimble

Function of the Sex Chromosomes in Mammalian Fertility

Edith Heard and James Turner

Unique Aspects of Transcription Regulation in Male Germ Cells

Helen White-Cooper and Irwin Davidson

Translational Control in Oocyte Development

Joel D. Richter and Paul Lasko

RNA Granules in Germ Cells

Ekaterina Voronina, Geraldine Seydoux, Paolo Sassone-Corsi, and Ippei Nagamori

Germ Cell Intercellular Bridges

Michael P. Greenbaum, Tokuko Iwamori, Gregory M. Buchold, and Martin M. Matzuk

Small Noncoding RNAs in the Germline

Jonathan P. Saxe and Haifan Lin

Developmental Control of Oocyte Maturation and Egg Activation in Metazoan Models

Jessica R. Von Stetina and Terry L. Orr-Weaver

Mammalian Genomic Imprinting

Marisa S. Bartolomei and Anne C. Ferguson-Smith

Nuclear Transfer to Eggs and Oocytes

J.B. Gurdon and Ian Wilmut

Selection in the Rapid Evolution of Gamete Recognition Proteins in Marine Invertebrates

Victor D. Vacquier and Willie J. Swanson

Index