Genetic and cellular analysis of male germ cell development

The evolution of the germline has been studied for many decades. Although t he pathway of germ cell primordial migration and the kinetic evolution of t he gonocytes are well known, their genetic and cellular controls are poorly understood. Recently, a genetic approach using gene knockout and a cellula r investigation using several germ cell culture models has allowed a better understanding of the involvement of several genes and factors in the devel opment of germ cells during fetal and neonatal life. Because of the obvious importance of the development of primordial germ cells and gonocytes in ad ult fertility and its eventual alteration by toxins or xenobiotics, a bette r knowledge of these interactions appears as an important research area.