Maintenance of primordial germ cells pluripotency – the roles of the RNA-binding proteins Nanos3 and Dead end in ensuring male fertility

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Erez Raz
• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 546554474

The project aims is first to characterize the structure and morphology of germ granules - phase-separated organelles similar in composition to chromatoid bodies, structures found in germ cells, and the resulting sperm. We will then employ novel tools for characterizing the morphology and behavior of germ cells lacking Nanos3 and compare these factors with those in wild-type cells and with those of germ cells that develop abnormally, for example, those lacking the function of the Dead end protein that is important for man fertility. In the following steps we will determine the RNA expression profile of germ cells lacking Nanos3 and compare it with that of wild type and Dead-end depleted germline cells. The information gained in the previous steps will be used for studying the activity of Nanos variants identified in infertile men, thereby determining their linkage and potential to cause the disease.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants