In vitro system maintaining efficient spermatogenesis for a long duration

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Mechanisms regulating gamete formation in animals
• Project/Area Number: 25114007
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Biological Sciences
• Research Institution: Yokohama City University
• Principal Investigator: OGAWA Takehiko 横浜市立大学, 生命医科学研究科, 教授 (50254222)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 木村 啓志 東海大学, 工学部, 准教授 (40533625)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SATO Takuya 横浜市立大学, 生命医科学研究科, 特任助教 (70599505)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-06-28 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 精子形成 / 器官培養 / 男性不妊症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We introduced microfluidic technologies to our testis organ culture method to develop a new culture system. The microfluidic devices we produced were successfully maintained structure and function of mouse testis tissues over 6 months and kept producing sperm. Offspring was produced with them by micro-insemination. We also simplified the devices for its general use and popularization. As for culture medium, we formulated a chemically-defined medium which induced mouse spermatogenesis up to haploid cell formation. Retinoic acid, lipids, and hormones were found to be important for in vitro spermatogenesis.

Free Research Field

泌尿器科学