Germ Plasm Biogenesis--An Oskar-Centric Perspective

Curr Top Dev Biol. 2016:116:679-707. doi: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.11.024. Epub 2016 Feb 13.

Abstract

Germ granules are the hallmark of all germ cells. These membrane-less, electron-dense structures were first observed over 100 years ago. Today, their role in regulating and processing transcripts critical for the establishment, maintenance, and protection of germ cells is well established, and pathways outlining the biochemical mechanisms and physical properties associated with their biogenesis are emerging.

Keywords: Drosophila; Germ cells; Germ granules; Germ plasm; Nanos; Nuage; Oskar; Phase transition; RNA granules; RNA localization; RNA translation; Tudor; Vasa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / growth & development*
  • Drosophila / metabolism
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Germ Cells / cytology*
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Oocytes / cytology*
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Oogenesis / physiology*

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • osk protein, Drosophila