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Spermatogonial stem cells: what does the future hold?
Journal Contribution - Journal Article
The germ line develops cells that are pivotal in the reproductive process of our species. In the male, the germ cells differentiate, via spermatogenesis, into highly differentiated reproductive cells, i.e. the spermatozoa.
This differentiation only occurs from puberty onwards. Therefore, preservation of these germ cells, i.e. the spermatogonial stem cells or SSCs, is a strategy to prevent sterility in disorders or conditions associated to germ-cell loss before puberty. Germ cell loss can be induced by cytostatic treatments, but is also accompanying hereditary conditions such as 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome or the presence of Yq deletions.
Currently three strategies for fertility preservation through SSCs are under investigation: spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, grafting of testicular tissue and culture in-vitro of spermatogonia with their maturation to spermatozoa.
Since SSCs can produce a new individual after their differentiation and eventual fusion with the oocyte, they retain intrinsic pluripotent characteristics in a sense. However, recent evidence has shown that SSCs do have true pluripotent properties and may have an important role in regenerative medicine. However, they still need to be further investigated with regards to their true pluripotent nature and their similarities and differences with embryonic stem cells, the latter still being the gold standard in stem cell research.
This differentiation only occurs from puberty onwards. Therefore, preservation of these germ cells, i.e. the spermatogonial stem cells or SSCs, is a strategy to prevent sterility in disorders or conditions associated to germ-cell loss before puberty. Germ cell loss can be induced by cytostatic treatments, but is also accompanying hereditary conditions such as 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome or the presence of Yq deletions.
Currently three strategies for fertility preservation through SSCs are under investigation: spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, grafting of testicular tissue and culture in-vitro of spermatogonia with their maturation to spermatozoa.
Since SSCs can produce a new individual after their differentiation and eventual fusion with the oocyte, they retain intrinsic pluripotent characteristics in a sense. However, recent evidence has shown that SSCs do have true pluripotent properties and may have an important role in regenerative medicine. However, they still need to be further investigated with regards to their true pluripotent nature and their similarities and differences with embryonic stem cells, the latter still being the gold standard in stem cell research.
Journal: Facts, Views and Vision in Obgyn
ISSN: 2032-0418
Volume: 3
Pages: 36-40
Publication year:2011
Keywords:spermatogonial stem cell