In vitro human spermatogenesis using an organ culture method

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24390371
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Urology
• 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(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): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 精子形成 / 器官培養 / 男性不妊症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using an organ culture method, we succeeded in producing sperm from spermatogonial stem cells in the mouse testis tissue ex vivo for the first time in the world. Based on this achievement, we tried to induce human spermatogenesis in the same manner. We found, however, that simple application of the method to human samples did not result in spermatogenic progression. Thus, we started to examine the culture conditions in detail for its improvement. For one thing, we tried to formulate chemically-defined medium which is sufficient for mouse spermatogenesis, which now become partially possible. In addition, we thought it is also important to mimic the in vivo condition by introducing microcirculatory system. Thus, we introduced microfluidic system into our culture method, which is also effective to improve the overall culture condition. These modifications are promising for future establishment of in vitro human spermatogenesis.

Free Research Field

泌尿器科学