Linker histone H1M transcripts mark the developing germ line in zebrafish

Maternally synthesised factors contribute to the establishment of the germ cell lineage in lower vertebrates. In zebrafish, germ-soma segregation appears to be completed by the late blastula stage of development. To search for new germ cell factors in the zebrafish, we have used subtractive cDNA cloning. Here we report that linker histone H1M transcripts mark the germ line from the early gastrulation up to 18 h post-fertilisation.