Discovering in vitro spermatogenesis stimulating factors.
Discovering in vitro spermatogenesis stimulating factors.
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DOI：
10.1038/cddis.2015.303
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发表时间：
2015-10-22
影响因子：
9
通讯作者：
Hamra FK
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Chaudhary J;Hamra FK
Spermatozoan development encompasses pre-meiotic, meiotic and post-meiotic cellular processes adapted to genetically diversify and then vertically transmit haploid genomes via fertilization. Defined culture systems supporting spermatogonial stem cell differentiation through meiosis will provide long-sought-after experimental platforms to study spermatogenesis, and to generate haploid gametes in vitro. Despite implications to advance science and medicine, germline-intrinsic signaling mechanisms sufficient to support spermatogenic cell differentiation in culture without somatic cells remain largely undiscovered. A Cell Death and Discovery article by Chapman et al. 1 now reports spermatogenic growth factors sufficient for robust serum/soma-free rat spermatogonial differentiation. Culturing differentiating spermatogonia in a defined system opens new doors to investigate molecular mechanisms controlling pre-meiotic steps in spermatogonial development, and to discover factors that drive meiotic progression in vitro.Spermatozoa are continuously produced in the testes through the developmental processes of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. 2 Spermatogonial stem cells maintain spermatogenesis by their abilities to self-renew or develop into syncytia of mitotically amplifying differentiating spermatogonia that initiate meiosis as spermatocytes. 3 Newly formed spermatocyte syncytia traverse the Sertoli cell blood–testis barrier to enter the seminiferous tubules. 2 Once within the seminiferous epithelium’s ‘adluminal’compartment, spermatocytes complete two meiotic divisions to generate nascent haploid germ cells termed round spermatids. 2 As requisite for round spermatids to mature into fully elongated, motile spermatozoa, they must transform dramatically in size, shape and organelle composition through the post-meiotic process of spermiogenesis. 2 Culture systems in which spermatids are robustly produced from spermatogonial stem cells hold potential to positively impact a wide portfolio of global health issues related to over population, lack of family planning and the spread of infectious disease. 4, 5 The ability to generate fertilization-competent spermatids (ie gametes) from cryopreservable spermatogonial stocks will provide prospective treatments for male infertility, enable methods to conserve species and facilitate the production of novel transgenic organisms. 6 Benefits of in vitro spermatogenesis are being held at bay because
