Development of novel infertility treatment technology using artificial ovaries

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09629
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56040:Obstetrics and gynecology-related
• Research Institution: Saitama Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Akahori Taichi 埼玉医科大学, 医学部, 非常勤講師 (90573171)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 高井 泰 埼玉医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (60323549)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 卵子幹細胞 / 再生医療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, artificial ovarian tissue is constructed in vitro from oogonial stem cells and granulosa progenitor cells extracted from the ovarian tissue. Using this artificial ovary, we construct an optimal microenvironment for oogonial stem cells and induce physiological oocyte differentiation. These cells are cultured three-dimensionally to construct an artificial ovary. In order to confirm the functions of oocyte stem cells and granulosa cells extracted from bovine ovaries, gene expression was confirmed by PCR of cultured cells and functional evaluation was performed by immunofluorescence staining. Optimal conditions were set for quality control of the established cells separated from the ovarian tissue. As a result, the target cells can be stably isolated and cultured.

Free Research Field

生殖補助医療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

生殖医療の治療成績は最近10年間ほぼ横ばいであり、新たな技術革新が必要である。申請者は、卵巣皮質内に少数存在する卵子への分化能をもつ卵子幹細胞の分離培養法を報告した。申請者は卵巣皮質から顆粒膜前駆細胞様細胞を分離培養できることを確認した。本研究では、これらの細胞を用いて、自己の卵巣組織由来の人工卵巣組織を体外で構築し、卵子幹細胞から受精可能な成熟卵子を誘導する。この技術により、従来よりも患者への負担が少なく効率の良い生殖医療技術を若年性悪性腫瘍患者や高度不妊症患者へ提供することができる。さらに、この新たな生殖医療技術は人口減少が切実な問題となっている本邦の未来に光明をもたらすことが期待できる。