Populations of adult stem cells underlie tissue regeneration and homeostasis throughout individual lifetime. Germline stem cells (GSCs), uniquely, have a role beyond the individual in which they reside. Like all stem cell populations, GSCs must self-renew and create differentiating progeny, but these differentiating germline daughter cells are also entrusted with transgenerational genomic inheritance.
Remarkably, germline stem cells can arise not only through embryogenesis and self-renewal, but can also be regenerated by cells of other states. Through dedifferentiation of other germ cells, or through transdifferentiation of soma, GSC fate is programmable. Using single-cell sequencing, in vivo lineage tracing, and functional phenotypic analysis, I am characterizing the nature and acquisition of GSC identity. I have recently identified a combinatorial role for Jak-Stat and Bmp ligands in balancing self-renewal, differentiation, and dedifferentiation in the Drosophila male germline. |