Bioessays. 2010 Jul;32(7):626-37.

Vasa genes: emerging roles in the germ line and in multipotent cells.

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Providence Institute of Molecular Oogenesis Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Brown University Providence, RI 02912, USA.

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.

PMID:: 20586054; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID:: PMC3090673

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MeSH Terms, Substances, Grant Support

MeSH Terms

Substances

DEAD-box RNA Helicases

Grant Support

R01 HD028152-16/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States

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