在小鼠的研究表明，诱导多能干细胞（iPSC）通过体外诱导可以分化为原始生殖细胞（PGC），并最终生成功能性配子，然而这一技术尚未在其它动物上实现，其机理尚待解开。在本研究中，我们以鸡为模型，研究将iPSC定向诱导分化为PGC细胞，探索骨成型蛋白4（BMP4）在这一过程中的作用和机制，进而优化诱导培养的条件。研究结果将为利用细胞重编程技术从禽类体细胞获得生殖细胞奠定基础，从而为畜禽保种育种以及野生动物繁殖保护提供一条新途径。

Previous studies in mouse revealed that primordial germ cell (PGC) and functional gamete could be derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC). However, the mechanism of PGC specification and differentiation still remains obscure and similar research has not yet been succeeded in other animals. In the current proposed study, we will investigate the possibility of deriving PGC from iPSC in chicken, as an example of avian species, and explore the role of BMP4 in this process for further optimization of the PGC derivation system. Results of this study will lay the ground for generation of gametes in avian species from somatic cells through cellular reprogramming. Unlimited source of germ cells through this technique would hold great promise in endangered species conservation and/or domestic animal breeding.