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Abstract
The signals directing primordial germ cell (PGC) migration in vertebrates are largely
unknown. We demonstrate that sdf-1 mRNA is expressed in locations where PGCs are found
and toward which they migrate in wild-type as well as in mutant embryos in which PGC
migration is abnormal. Knocking down SDF-1 or its receptor CXCR4 results in severe
defects in PGC migration. Specifically, PGCs that do not receive the SDF-1 signal
exhibit lack of directional movement toward their target and arrive at ectopic positions
within the embryo. Finally, we show that the PGCs can be attracted toward an ectopic
source of the chemokine, strongly suggesting that this molecule provides a key directional
cue for the PGCs.