Hobbs

Germline stem cell maintenance and development

The Hobbs group uses germline stem/progenitor cells from the mouse testis as a model system to define critical mechanisms underlying adult stem cell function.

Maintenance of a wide array of adult tissues is dependent on a resident population of rare stem cells that must self-renew plus generate differentiating daughter cells.
The appropriate control of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is critical for tissue homeostasis while disruption of the balance between these processes can contribute to tissue degeneration or cancer.

In adult testis, there is a population of germline stem/progenitor cells (known as spermatogonial progenitor cells or SPCs) that are required for life-long production of differentiating germ cells and spermatozoa. A handful of cell intrinsic factors are known to be involved in SPC maintenance, foremost amongst which is the transcription factor Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (Plzf). A major focus of the group is to define downstream targets of Plzf in SPCs and their role in SPC function. This is achieved by using a combination of mouse genetics, flow cytometry analysis and in vitro SPC culture techniques. The principal aim of this research is to identify and characterize novel molecular mechanisms underlying adult stem cell function.

For more information on the research undertaken by this group or for enquiries regarding positions for researchers or students please contact Dr Robin Hobbs.