Vasa genes: emerging roles in the germ line and in multipotent cells.
Bioessays
; 32(7): 626-37, 2010 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20586054
ABSTRACT
Sexually reproducing metazoans establish a cell lineage during development that is ultimately dedicated to gamete production. Work in a variety of animals suggests that a group of conserved molecular determinants act in this germ line maintenance and function. The most universal of these genes are Vasa and Vasa-like DEAD-box RNA helicase genes. However, recent evidence indicates that Vasa genes also function in other cell types, distinct from the germ line. Here we evaluate our current understanding of Vasa function and its regulation during development, addressing Vasa's emerging role in multipotent cells. We also explore the evolutionary diversification of the N-terminal domain of this gene and how this impacts the association of Vasa with nuage-like perinuclear structures.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Multipotent Stem Cells
/
DEAD-box RNA Helicases
/
Germ Cells
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Bioessays
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
/
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Year:
2010
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: