Researchers at Kyoto University say they have developed a method to create ※near-indefinite§ volumes of early-stage sperm and egg cells from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, in a step that could potentially lead to new infertility treatments.
In on Monday, scientists led by Mitinori Saitou at the university＊s Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology succeeded in using iPS cells 〞 stem cells that can turn into any type of cell 〞 to create early germ cells called ※human primordial germ cell-like cells§ (hPGCLCs).
The researchers were then able to guide these hPGCLCs to develop into either early-stage sperm cells, called pro-spermatogonia, or early-stage egg cells, called oogonia.
Through a process called epigenetic reprogramming, they were able to multiply the number of these cells by 10 billion over four months, according to the researchers.
This was a significant improvement over previous methods developed by Saitou＊s team, in which only 10% of the hPGCLCs were able to develop into early germ cells.
Epigenetic reprogramming is a process that resets the memories of cells inherited from parents. It helps the formation of early germ cells, which eventually develop into sperm or eggs.
The hPGCLCs developed into early-stage germ cells in test tubes in a process similar to when cells develop in the human body, they said.
The research aims to expand our understanding of how human germ cells develop. It also opens up possibilities for creating sperm and egg cells in a lab, which could greatly advance reproductive medicine and help people with fertility issues.
But experts say an urgent debate is needed on how to conduct this type of biomedical research safely and ethically.
※Our approach enables near-indefinite amplification of mitotic pro-spermatogonia and oogonia in culture and we now also have the ability to store and re-expand these cells as needed,§ Saitou said in a statement.
A key to the team＊s success was the addition of a protein called bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2). BMP2 helps early germ cells develop properly, the researchers said.
※The results of this research are an important milestone in clarifying the mechanism of human germ cell development and the promotion of research on the in-vitro development of human germ cells,§ the researchers said in the statement.
About 17.5% of adults worldwide, or 1 in 6 people, are affected by infertility, according to the World Health Organization.
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