Embryonic stem cell-derived germ cells induce spermatogenesis following transplantation to testis of adult mouse azoospermia model

This study aimed to (a) identify the exogenous factors that allow in vitro differentiation of mouse SSCs from embryonic stem cells (ESCs); (b) evaluate the effects of Sertoli cells on SSCs enrichment; and (c) to assess the success of transplantation using in vitro differentiated SSCs in mouse busulfan-treated azoospermia model. One-day-old embryoid body (EB) received 5 ng/ml BMP4 for 4 days, 3 µM retinoic acid (RA) in STO co-culture (Co-C) system for 7 days and subsequently co-cultured for 2 days with Sertoli cell in the presence or absence of LIF, bFGF and RA composition and in the presence of these factors in the simple culture media. Higher viability, proliferation, and germ cell genes expression was seen in the presence of LIF, bFGF and RA composition on the top of the Sertoli cells. Immunocytochemistry results showed higher CDH1 expression in this group. Sertoli Co-C had no effects on SSCs proliferation. Eight week after transplantation, injected cells were observed at the base of seminiferous tubules and in the recipient testes. The number of spermatogonia and the weight of testis were higher in transplanted testes relative to control group. It seems that transplantation of these cells can be useful in infertility treatment.
Source: Clinical Science - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Tags: PublishAheadOfPrint Source Type: research