In early germline development, extra-embryonic signals trigger a regulatory network that induces the specification and subsequent epigenetic reprogramming of primordial germ cells, the precursors of sperm and eggs. Here, the authors review germline specification and reprogramming in humans, and discuss the crucial mechanistic differences between these processes in humans and mice.
- Walfred W. C. Tang
- Toshihiro Kobayashi
- M. Azim Surani
