New Research Area in Andrology: Spermatogonial Stem Cell Transplantation

AYDOS K.

TURKIYE KLINIKLERI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI, vol.28, no.6, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Journal Name: TURKIYE KLINIKLERI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Stem cell, testis, ADULT-MOUSE TESTIS, GERM-CELLS, IN-VITRO, SURVIVAL, GENE
  • Ankara University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Spermatogonial stem cells are a small population of adult tissue-specific stem cells present in the testis. Formation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells in adults are responsible for continual production of sperm in the testis. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have the capacity to either renew themselves or to start the differentiation process, namely, spermatogenesis. Currently, spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) is considered the most promising tool for fertility restoration, especially in young cancer patients. Successful transplantation and donor-derived spermatogenesis can lead to the restoration of fertility in infertile males. Another alternative to preserve male fertility could be in-vitro culture of SSCs. In combination with spermatogonial stem cell culture, the transplantation technique can also be used for the purpose of generating transgenic animals through the male germline. Xenogeneic transplantation and xenografting are two other hypothetical methods to preserve fertility.