Journal article
Concise Review: Defining Characteristics of Mammalian Spermatogenic Stem Cells
Stem cells (Dayton, Ohio), Vol.31(1), pp.8-11
01/2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/114781
PMCID: PMC5312674
PMID: 23074087
Abstract
The enormous number of sperms produced daily and over the lifetime of mammals requires a stable source of stem cells that give rise to progenitor cells that proceed through spermatogenesis. Spermatogenic stem cells develop from primitive germ cells that occupy the developing gonad. A transplantation assay was developed for the spermatogenic stem cells, and it remains the only functional measure of authentic stem cells in the testis. Somatic cells comprise a “niche” environment that is essential for the maintenance of stem cell activity. Dividing progenitor cells have intercellular bridges and form syncytia with 2, 4, 8, or 16 cells. Fragmentation of these syncytia may allow some progenitor cells to occupy “niches” and function as stem cells, but this notion requires further investigation. Spermatogenic stem cells can be maintained in culture and are influenced by a number of growth factors. Thus far, the ultimate differentiation of cultured stem cells into functional gametes has not been demonstrated with any efficiency and reproducibility. The ability to maintain spermatogenic stem cells in culture and to induce differentiation into haploid cells and sperm could have many important implications for human medicine. STEM Cells2013;31:8–11
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Details
- Title
- Concise Review: Defining Characteristics of Mammalian Spermatogenic Stem Cells
- Creators
- Michael D GriswoldJon M Oatley
- Publication Details
- Stem cells (Dayton, Ohio), Vol.31(1), pp.8-11
- Academic Unit
- Molecular Biosciences, School of
- Publisher
- Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company; Hoboken
- Number of pages
- 4
- Grant note
- NIH (5RO1HD10808‐34; HD061665)
- Identifiers
- 99900547975601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article