Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a method to efficiently produce early-stage sperm and egg cells from human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This advancement could significantly impact reproductive medicine by providing a sustainable source of germ cells for research and potential treatments.
The team, led by Professor Mitinori Saitou at the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, successfully guided human iPS cells to differentiate into primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs). These hPGCLCs were then directed to develop into pro-spermatogonia (precursors to sperm) and oogonia (precursors to eggs). Notably, the number of these cells increased by over 10 billion times during a four-month culture period, indicating a highly efficient production process.
This breakthrough offers a valuable tool for studying human germ cell development and could pave the way for new infertility treatments. However, ethical considerations remain, as current guidelines prohibit the use of these cells for reproductive purposes. Further research and ethical discussions are necessary before clinical applications can be considered.
The findings were published in the journal Nature on May 20, 2024, highlighting the potential of iPS cells in regenerative medicine and reproductive biology.