Stem cells, in vitro gametogenesis and male fertility

Abstract

Reconstitution in culture of biological processes, such as differentiation and organization, is a key challenge in regenerative medicine, and one in which stem cell technology plays a central role. Pluripotent stem cells and spermatogonial stem cells are useful materials for reconstitution of germ cell development in vitro, as they are capable of differentiating into gametes. Reconstitution of germ cell development, termed in vitro gametogenesis, will provide an experimental platform for a better understanding of germ cell development, as well as an alternative source of gametes for reproduction, with the potential to cure infertility. Since germ cells are the cells for 'the next generation', both the culture system and its products must be carefully evaluated. In this issue, we summarize the progress in in vitro gametogenesis, most of which has been made using mouse models, as well as the future challenges in this field. Reproduction (2017) 154 F79-F91

Development of ICSI

“…www.reproduction-online.org neogametogenesis for either male or female gametes (Nagamatsu & Hayashi 2017). While the utilization of embryonic stem cells for this method would not allow a couple to generate their own genetic child unless therapeutic cloning is used, recent advances with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) present a more appealing option in the attempt to generate genotyped gamete-like cells.…”

Approaches and Technologies in Male Fertility Preservation

“…One of the approaches for male fertility preservation includes the development of generated iPSCs from somatic cells, such as dermal fibroblasts, blood cells, or keratinocytes, from infertile patients to primordial germ cells (PGCs). These PGCs can either be auto-transplanted into the testes (in vivo) or used in vitro in order to induce the development of gametes [113][114][115][116]. Recently, iPSCs were developed from Klinefelter and NOA patients [117,118].…”

From petri dishes to politics – a multi-pronged approach is essential for saving endangered species

“…Achieving the latter requires navigating an untrodden path fraught with obstacles, and it remains unlikely that a viable population of Northern white rhinos will be restored. To that end, the two primary approaches being pursued include the generation of offspring using Northern white rhino gametes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, which to-date has only partially been achieved in the mouse 13 and remains highly speculative for rhinos, and intra-species hybridization 1,12 . If successful, the latter would create Northern × Southern white rhino subspecies crosses, and several generations of intensive inbreeding among these hybrid individuals would be required to dilute the Southern white rhino genes while concentrating those of the Northern white rhino, a strategy likely resulting in severe inbreeding depression, if mating succeeded at all.…”