Models for the spermatogonial stem cell niche and its regulation

本国际项目旨在研究与男性生殖能力和精原干细胞生态位相关的两个新方面。(1)我们想要探索从季节性繁殖动物——金仓鼠的睾丸细胞中培养的细胞是否可以为研究精原干细胞生态位的调节和机制提供新的细胞模型。在这个物种中，睾丸功能和生育能力发生光周期调节，这也涉及前列腺素。(2)由于前列腺素在金仓鼠和不育男性中作为睾丸因子进化，我们想从细胞角度探讨前列腺素是否可能影响精原干细胞生态位。这可以通过结合我们的专业知识来实现：阿根廷实验室在金仓鼠及其睾丸细胞和功能以及睾丸前列腺素领域拥有丰富的经验。德国的实验室在睾丸免疫细胞、小管周围细胞以及最近的SSC生态位领域拥有额外的专业知识。对伙伴实验室的访问和供应品的资金是测试这两个点的必要条件，这可能导致未来一个共同的、有重点的项目。

This international project aims to study two novel aspects related to male (in)fertility and the spermatogonial stem cell niche. (1) We want to explore whether cell cultures of testicular cells from a seasonal breeder, the golden hamster, may allow to develop new cellular models for the study of the regulation and the mechanism of the spermatogonial stem cell niche. In this species photoperiodic regulation of testicular function and fertility occurs, which also involves prostaglandins.(2) Because prostaglandins in the golden hamster and in infertile men evolve as testicular factors, we want to explore, in cellular approaches, whether the spermatogonial stem cell niche may be influenced by prostaglandins. This is possible by combining our expertise: The Argentinean lab has experience in the area of the golden hamster and its testicular cells and functions, as well as testicular prostaglandins. The lab in Germany has additional expertise in the area of testicular immune cells, peritubular cells and recently also the SSC niche. Visits in the partner laboratories and funds for supplies are necessary to test the two points, which may lead to a common, focused project in the future.