Drosophila that have mutations in their mago nashi (grandchildless) gene produce progeny with defects in germplasm assembly and germline development. This gene encodes the mammalian mago nashi homolog. In mammals, mRNA expression is not limited to the germ plasm, but is expressed ubiquitously in adult tissues and can be induced by serum stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].