Elucidation of the role of thyroid function in the differentiation process of spermatogonial stem celll

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K20993
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0906:Surgery related to the biological and sensory functions and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University
• Principal Investigator: Matsumoto Daisuke 名古屋市立大学, 医薬学総合研究院(医学), 助教 (30906540)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 精子幹細胞 / 甲状腺機能低下症 / 思春期前精子形成過程 / 精巣器官培養

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Spermatogonial stem cells differentiate during the juvenile stage. They are important as a source of sperm. We designed a research plan to elucidate the role of thyroid function on the process of spermatogenesis during the juvenile stage. In this study, we did not establish a testicular organ culture system. However, we were able to investigate the process of spermatogenesis in the juvenile stage by creating an hypothyroid model. The number of germ cells that could be spermatogonial stem cells may have increased in the hypothyroid group.

Free Research Field

泌尿器科、小児泌尿器科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により、幼若期の精子形成過程に甲状腺ホルモンが影響を与えることがわかった。また、甲状腺機能低下により生殖細胞が増加した可能性が示唆された。この増加が意味するものが将来の妊孕性にとって良いものであるかは現時点では不明であるが、今後のさらなる研究により、停留精巣などの生殖細胞が減少する病態において甲状腺機能に関連したパスウェイや分子を調整することで、将来の妊孕性にとって有利に働かせることができる可能性が考えられた。