Characteristic energy metabolism in mouse primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGCs), undifferentiated embryonic germ cells, are the only cells that have the ability to become gametes and to reacquire totipotency upon fertilization. It is generally understood that the development of PGCs proceeds through the expression of germ cell-specific transcription factors and characteristic epigenomic changes. However, little is known about the properties of PGCs at the metabolite and protein levels, which are directly responsible for the control of cell function. Here, we report the metabolic profiles of PGCs through the first comprehensive analyses of the metabolome and proteome, including remarkable activation of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Moreover, conversion of energy metabolism is involved in the control of PGC reprogramming and differentiation of pluripotential stem cells (PSCs) into PGCs in culture. Our findings about the unique metabolic property of PGCs provide novel insights into our understanding of the importance of distinct energy metabolism for switching PGC and PSC status. Total RNAs (100 ng) from mouse E13.5 male gonadal somatic cells (Somas) and VR15 embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were used for analysis. cRNA samples were prepared using Agilent Low Input Quick Amp Labeling Kit (Agilent 5190-2331). Samples were hybridized onto Mouse GE 4 x 44 K V2 Microarray Kit (Agilent G4846A) according to the manufacturer's instruction. The microarrays were scanned using DNA microarray scanner (Agilent). Each cell type was analyzed in 3 biological replicates. Multiple testing corrections were performed with the Benjamini-Hochberg false-discovery rate correction.