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Spermatogonial Stem Cells

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Trends in Stem Cell Biology and Technology

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Abstract

New developments in the field of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) research have been reviewed. Novel techniques have rendered interesting results in studies on SSC kinetics in nonprimate mammals as well as in primates, and the classical views on the nature and the behavior of SSC are being challenged. However, no definite conclusions can yet be drawn. Many new proteins have been detected that function in the pathways that regulate SSC self-renewal and differentiation. Regretfully, no specific marker for SSCs has yet been detected. Furthermore, it has become clear that SSCs are located in specific niches that are related to the vasculature that surrounds the seminiferous tubules. Great progress has been made in the development of methods for culturing mouse and bovine SSCs. These cells can now be propagated in vitro for many months, while they retain their genomic integrity and capacity to colonize a recipient mouse testis. Finally, it has become abundantly clear that at least mouse SSCs can become multipotent embryonic stem–like cells again, capable of differentiation into many other cell lineages. Future study will determine whether the latter is also possible for human SSC.

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  1. Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    Dirk G. de Rooij

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    de Rooij, D.G. (2009). Spermatogonial Stem Cells. In: Baharvand, H. (eds) Trends in Stem Cell Biology and Technology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-905-5_10

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