Role of Fibroblast Growth Factors and Their Receptors in Mouse Primordial Germ Cell Growth¹

^a Cell Biology of Development and Differentiation Group, ABL-Basic Research Program and ^b Intramural Research and Support Program, SAIC-Frederick, National Cancer Institute-Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, Frederick, Maryland 21702–1201

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic progenitors of mature germ cells. During their proliferative stage, murine PGCs may be transiently cultured on mitotically inactive feeder layers. This culture system has permitted identification of several growth factors active toward PGCs. We and others have previously identified basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as a powerful mitogen in this system. Here we characterize some of the functions of bFGF in PGC culture. Our data demonstrate that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors I and II are present in the developing gonad and are consistent with expression of these receptors by PGCs. Moreover, PGCs can bind radiolabeled bFGF in vitro, demonstrating that the factor can act directly on these cells. While mitotic PGCs of either sex are shown to bind radiolabeled bFGF, oogonia that are undergoing meiotic arrest exhibit reduced bFGF binding, indicating potential developmental regulation of an FGF receptor.

¹ J.R. was supported by the Cooperative States Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture under Agreement No. 93–37205–9074. Research is sponsored in part by the National Cancer Institute, DHHS, under contract with ABL and SAIC. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

² Correspondence: Peter J. Donovan, Thomas Jefferson University, BLSB Room 706, 233 South Tenth St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. FAX: (215) 923-4153.

³ Current address: College of Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610–0266.

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