Elucidation of the structure and formation mechanism of seminiferous tubules using three-dimensional analysis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06730
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 48010:Anatomy-related
• Research Institution: Komatsu University (2022-2023); Kanazawa University (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Nakata Hiroki 公立小松大学, 保健医療学部, 教授 (80638304)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 三次元再構築 / 精巣輸出管 / 精巣上体管 / 精細管 / 精巣 / 深層学習

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Detailed morphological information is essential for the development of research on reproductive tracts, including the testis. In this study, serial sections were prepared and three-dimensional reconstruction of the reproductive tract was performed using deep learning. We were able to reveal the detailed three-dimensional structures of the human efferent ducts and epididymal duct and the fetal reproductive tracts of experimental animals (mice and rats).

Free Research Field

解剖学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

深層学習を用いることで、ヒト精巣輸出管・精巣上体管と実験動物（マウス・ラット）の胎児期精路を再構築し、その正確な三次元構造を明らかにした。本研究成果は、男性不妊症に関連する解剖学的異常の解析に有用であると考えられる。また、本研究で開発した方法は、精路以外の構造の詳細を明らかにする研究にも応用可能であると考えられる。