Primordial germ cells and amnion development in the avian embryo

De Melo Bernardo, Ana (2016)

Doctoral Thesis

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the progenitors of the gametes, responsible for transmitting genetic information from generation to generation. Although there is a long history of gamete biology research, there is still a lot to be learned about many of the mechanisms underlying germ cell development. This dissertation describes and discusses the dynamics of PGCs in the chicken, with a focus on their migration to the gonads and meiosis that takes place when PGCs are already settled there. We also discussed the advantages of using the avian model in epithelial ovarian cancer research. Moreover, we revisited an often overlooked model for amniogenesis in which the proamnion plays a crucial role.

• Development
• Meiosis
• Ovarian cancer
• Amnion
• Primordial germ cells
• Chicken

• All authors: De Melo Bernardo, Ana
• Supervisor: Mummery, C.L.
• Co-supervisor: Chuva de Sousa Lopes, S.M.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2016-01-26
• ISBN (print): 9789462954090