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Researchers at the University of San Diego School of Medicine at UC have identified several subtypes and biomarkers of sperm that will help them isolate stem cells from spermatogonia. Credit: UC San Diego Health
Sperm production, also known as spermatogenesis, generates over 1,000 spermatozoa per second in normal men. This productivity comes in part from a special cell type called spermatogonial stem cell. The resilience of this stem cell has allowed many celebrities, including Robert DeNiro and Pablo Picbado, to have children after the age of 65.
Yet, sperm stem cells have not been well studied in humans, and attempts to develop them in the laboratory for clinical purposes have had limited success. In a study published on February 5, 2019 in Cell reports, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine used a technique called single-cell RNA sequencing to paint a clearer picture of human spermatogonium stem cells and sperm formation . They have also developed tools to better isolate these stem cells.
The researchers write that this breakthrough opens up the possibility of developing sperm stem cell transplants to treat male infertility, a problem that affects more than 100 million men worldwide.
"Single-cell RNA sequencing determines the activity of hundreds of genes in individual cell genomes," said lead author Miles Wilkinson, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Human Genetics. Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of San Diego, UC. "Because each cell type has a different combination of active genes, this technique allows us to identify new cell types.Applying this approach to the testis, we discovered many different stages of sperm precursor cells in the cells. human testicles. "
In the adult human testes, the researchers identified several cell subtypes that probably include spermatogonial stem cells. They also found cells with the characteristics of spermatogonial stem cells in the human neonate.
"Since spermatogonial stem cells are not needed to generate sperm up to puberty, this finding in neonates suggests that these cells perform functions still unknown in infants and young children" said Wilkinson.
Their study also identified many unique molecules, biomarkers, that define spermatogonial stem cells. These biomarkers, detected by specific antibodies, have enabled researchers to efficiently capture human spermatogonial stem cells.
The Wilkinson team has also identified active genes in other cells that support spermatogonial stem cells. This discovery could help researchers develop protein badtails that stimulate the proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells in the laboratory and allow them to enlarge enough cells for clinical applications.
"It was a proof of principle for future clinical studies to use spermatogonial stem cell therapy as a means of treating men suffering from infertility, including patients with dementia." Cancer rendered sterile by chemotherapy, "said Wilkinson.
Explore further:
Researchers discover fertility genes needed for sperm stem cells
More information:
Abhishek Sohni et al. The neonatal and adult human testicle defined at the single cell level, Cell reports (2019). DOI: 10.1016 / j.celrep.2019.01.045
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