RESEARCH INTEREST: Molecular basis of mammalian spermatogenesis

We are studying the development of the mammalian germ lineage during embryogenesis and in the adult male using the mouse as a model genetic system.A line of transgenic mice has been generated in which the primordial germ cells (PGCs) are marked with a beta-galactosidase reporter gene. This enables purification of PGCs at different stages during embryogenesis. The construction of cDNA libraries from these PGCs at different developmental stages will enable the identification of genes which are differentially expressed during this process using an arrayed cDNA library based hybridisation strategy. Once such genes have been identified, we can embark upon a determination of their biological role during germ line development.Lines of mice with novel recessive mutrations that affect the process of spermatogenesis have been derived using a gene trap approach. These mice have defects involving flagellar formation and testis homeostasis. The elucidation of the function of these genes will provide new information about the molecular basis for the control of this complex but fundamental process.