scholarly journals Advanced bioengineering of male germ stem cells to preserve fertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204173142110605
Author(s):  
Hossein Eyni ◽  
Sadegh Ghorbani ◽  
Hojjatollah Nazari ◽  
Marziyeh Hajialyani ◽  
Sajad Razavi Bazaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fertility Preservation ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Round Spermatid ◽  
The Body ◽  
Testicular Sperm Extraction ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
In Vitro Spermatogenesis

In modern life, several factors such as genetics, exposure to toxins, and aging have resulted in significant levels of male infertility, estimated to be approximately 18% worldwide. In response, substantial progress has been made to improve in vitro fertilization treatments (e.g. microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE), intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and round spermatid injection (ROSI)). Mimicking the structure of testicular natural extracellular matrices (ECM) outside of the body is one clear route toward complete in vitro spermatogenesis and male fertility preservation. Here, a new wave of technological innovations is underway applying regenerative medicine strategies to cell-tissue culture on natural or synthetic scaffolds supplemented with bioactive factors. The emergence of advanced bioengineered systems suggests new hope for male fertility preservation through development of functional male germ cells. To date, few studies aimed at in vitro spermatogenesis have resulted in relevant numbers of mature gametes. However, a substantial body of knowledge on conditions that are required to maintain and mature male germ cells in vitro is now in place. This review focuses on advanced bioengineering methods such as microfluidic systems, bio-fabricated scaffolds, and 3D organ culture applied to the germline for fertility preservation through in vitro spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals The Transformation of the Centrosome into the Basal Body: Similarities and Dissimilarities between Somatic and Male Germ Cells and Their Relevance for Male Fertility

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2266
Author(s):  
Constanza Tapia Contreras ◽  
Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Basal Body ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Round Spermatid ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Center ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Sperm Tail ◽  
Acrosomal Vesicle

The sperm flagellum is essential for the transport of the genetic material toward the oocyte and thus the transmission of the genetic information to the next generation. During the haploid phase of spermatogenesis, i.e., spermiogenesis, a morphological and molecular restructuring of the male germ cell, the round spermatid, takes place that includes the silencing and compaction of the nucleus, the formation of the acrosomal vesicle from the Golgi apparatus, the formation of the sperm tail, and, finally, the shedding of excessive cytoplasm. Sperm tail formation starts in the round spermatid stage when the pair of centrioles moves toward the posterior pole of the nucleus. The sperm tail, eventually, becomes located opposed to the acrosomal vesicle, which develops at the anterior pole of the nucleus. The centriole pair tightly attaches to the nucleus, forming a nuclear membrane indentation. An articular structure is formed around the centriole pair known as the connecting piece, situated in the neck region and linking the sperm head to the tail, also named the head-to-tail coupling apparatus or, in short, HTCA. Finally, the sperm tail grows out from the distal centriole that is now transformed into the basal body of the flagellum. However, a centriole pair is found in nearly all cells of the body. In somatic cells, it accumulates a large mass of proteins, the pericentriolar material (PCM), that together constitute the centrosome, which is the main microtubule-organizing center of the cell, essential not only for the structuring of the cytoskeleton and the overall cellular organization but also for mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation. However, in post-mitotic (G1 or G0) cells, the centrosome is transformed into the basal body. In this case, one of the centrioles, which is always the oldest or mother centriole, grows the axoneme of a cilium. Most cells of the body carry a single cilium known as the primary cilium that serves as an antenna sensing the cell’s environment. Besides, specialized cells develop multiple motile cilia differing in substructure from the immotile primary cilia that are essential in moving fluids or cargos over the cellular surface. Impairment of cilia formation causes numerous severe syndromes that are collectively subsumed as ciliopathies. This comparative overview serves to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of basal body formation, their similarities, and dissimilarities, in somatic versus male germ cells, by discussing the involved proteins/genes and their expression, localization, and function. The review, thus, aimed to provide a deeper knowledge of the molecular players that is essential for the expansion of clinical diagnostics and treatment of male fertility disorders.

scholarly journals Spermatogonial Stem Cells for In Vitro Spermatogenesis and In Vivo Restoration of Fertility

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahar Ibtisham ◽  
Ali Honaramooz
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Culture Systems ◽  
In Vitro Spermatogenesis ◽  
Haploid Male ◽  
Restoration Of Fertility

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only adult stem cells capable of passing genes onto the next generation. SSCs also have the potential to provide important knowledge about stem cells in general and to offer critical in vitro and in vivo applications in assisted reproductive technologies. After century-long research, proof-of-principle culture systems have been introduced to support the in vitro differentiation of SSCs from rodent models into haploid male germ cells. Despite recent progress in organotypic testicular tissue culture and two-dimensional or three-dimensional cell culture systems, to achieve complete in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) using non-rodent species remains challenging. Successful in vitro production of human haploid male germ cells will foster hopes of preserving the fertility potential of prepubertal cancer patients who frequently face infertility due to the gonadotoxic side-effects of cancer treatment. Moreover, the development of optimal systems for IVS would allow designing experiments that are otherwise difficult or impossible to be performed directly in vivo, such as genetic manipulation of germ cells or correction of genetic disorders. This review outlines the recent progress in the use of SSCs for IVS and potential in vivo applications for the restoration of fertility.

Transmeiotic differentiation of zebrafish germ cells into functional sperm in culture

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (14) ◽  
pp. 3359-3365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriyoshi Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Regulatory Function ◽  
Feeder Cells ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Testicular Cells

Because cell culture systems are easily accessible for experimental genetic manipulation, male germ cell culture is of great usefulness in creating sperm vectors. This report describes that cultured male germ cells of zebrafish (Danio rerio) underwent mitosis and transmeiotic differentiation, including the entire process of meiosis, to develop into functional sperm. Enzymatically dissociated testicular cells containing germ cells were co-cultured on feeder cells derived from tumor-like testis, which exhibited features characteristic of Sertoli cells such as phagocytic activity and transcription of the Wilms’ tumor suppressor wt1 and sox9a genes. Germ cells formed a clump, divided by mitosis, and differentiated into flagellated sperm on the feeders. Expression of the germ cell marker gene vas was prolonged in co-culture with the feeders, compared with culture of dissociated testicular cells alone, indicating that the feeder cells stimulate proliferation of spermatogonia. When cultured germ cells/sperm with the feeders were used for in vitro fertilization, normal embryos were obtained. Addition of the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) into culture medium resulted in BrdU-positive sperm and four-cell stage embryos after in vitro fertilization. This culture system should prove useful not only in producing transfected functional sperm, but also in analyzing the regulatory function of testicular somatic cells on the mitosis and meiosis of male germ cells in vertebrates.

Demonstration of Specific Marker Proteins, Determining Spermatozoa Fertility, and of Proteins, Common for Sperm and Other Cellular Types (Stem/Progenitor, Malignant and Differentiated Normal Cells)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iliana N Ilieva,Sainova
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Morphological Marker ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Marker Proteins

The condensation of nuclear chromatin in mature differentiated male germ cells is an important morphological marker about their fertilization capability or male fertility, respectively. Spermatozoa with decondensed chromatin possess a sharply reduced ability to fertilize the egg and they are even responsible for the early abnormal development of the fetus. The aim of the current study is directed to demonstration of specific proteins/markers (cytoplasmic and/or nuclear DNPs/RNPs), determining the fertility of male germ cells, as well as of proteins, which are common/specific for sperm and other cell types (such as embryonic and adult stem/progenitor cells, malignant HeLa cells, etc.) at different stages of their development. Combining different techniques for assay could give a possibility about more precise identification of the changes, and inter-molecular (DNP/RNP and of protein-protein) interactions in the composition of complex cytoplasmic structures, on intra- and extra- cellular levels. The results obtained could be helpful to establish the diagnosis as well as to the application of adequate therapeutic strategy and/or of appropriate techniques for in vitro-fertilization (assisted reproductive technology) in cases of male infertility. The current article demonstrates for specific marker proteins.

scholarly journals Fourteen babies born after round spermatid injection into human oocytes

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (47) ◽  
pp. 14629-14634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Tanaka ◽  
Motoi Nagayoshi ◽  
Youichi Takemoto ◽  
Izumi Tanaka ◽  
Hiroshi Kusunoki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Round Spermatid ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Human In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Haploid Male ◽  
Round Spermatid Injection

During the human in vitro fertilization procedure in the assisted reproductive technology, intracytoplasmic sperm injection is routinely used to inject a spermatozoon or a less mature elongating spermatid into the oocyte. In some infertile men, round spermatids (haploid male germ cells that have completed meiosis) are the most mature cells visible during testicular biopsy. The microsurgical injection of a round spermatid into an oocyte as a substitute is commonly referred to as round spermatid injection (ROSI). Currently, human ROSI is considered a very inefficient procedure and of no clinical value. Herein, we report the birth and development of 14 children born to 12 women following ROSI of 734 oocytes previously activated by an electric current. The round spermatids came from men who had been diagnosed as not having spermatozoa or elongated spermatids by andrologists at other hospitals after a first Micro-TESE. A key to our success was our ability to identify round spermatids accurately before oocyte injection. As of today, all children born after ROSI in our clinic are without any unusual physical, mental, or epigenetic problems. Thus, for men whose germ cells are unable to develop beyond the round spermatid stage, ROSI can, as a last resort, enable them to have their own genetic offspring.

scholarly journals Sperm Selection Procedures for Optimizing the Outcome of ICSI in Patients with NOA

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2687
Author(s):  
Kaan Aydos ◽  
Oya Sena Aydos
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Selection ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Testicular Sperm Extraction ◽  
Obstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Sperm Retrieval ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Great Hope ◽  
Future Fertility

Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.

scholarly journals Mouse oocytes derived from fetal germ cells are competent to support the development of embryos by in vitro fertilization

2008 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 1688-1689
Author(s):  
Wei Shen ◽  
Lan Li ◽  
Donghui Zhang ◽  
Qingjie Pan ◽  
Mingxiao Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Mouse Oocytes

scholarly journals Effect of Nursing Guidelines on Coping of Infertile Couples Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Gehan S. Abdelgelel ◽  
Shadia H. Muhsib ◽  
Mona H. Abdelaal ◽  
Randa M. Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
The Body ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Infertile Couples ◽  
Nursing Guidelines

Context: Infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an ovum is combined with sperm outside the body, in vitro. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is psychologically and emotionally stressful. Coping strategies are needed to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing guidelines on coping of infertile couples' undergoing In Vitro Fertilization. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. This study conducted at the assisted reproductive technology unit of Ain shams Maternity University Hospital on a convenient sample of 98 couples undergoing fertility treatments. Two tools were used for data collection; the first tool was a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess the couple's socio-demographic data, obstetric history, the couple's knowledge regarding in vitro fertilization. The second tool was ways of coping scale (WQS) to assess coping strategies among the infertile couple. Results: There is no statistically significant difference between couples in both groups according to their knowledge and their coping strategies to IVF before the implementation of nursing guidelines (p> 0.05). In contrast, there is a highly statistically significant improvement in knowledge and coping strategies of couples on the study group compared to control group couples after implementation of nursing guidelines(p<0.001). Conclusion: The finding of the current study supported the hypothesis, which stated that the infertile couples who will expose to the nursing guidelines, will exhibit improved coping strategies to IVF compared to the controls. The study recommended the application of nursing guidelines at the IVF unit of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital and other settings for IVF treatment as routine care to improve infertile couples' coping strategies.

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