Applying "gold standards" to in-vitro-derived germ cells

Induction of Meiotic Initiation in Long-Term Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells Under Retinoid Acid and Nutrient Restriction Conditions

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) produce haploid sperm via mitosis and meiosis in vivo. Although the technique to culture mouse SSCs has been well established, induction of meiosis in vitro has remained a challenge. Retinoic acid (RA) is required for meiosis in vivo; however, RA alone is not sufficient to induce meiosis in vitro. Here, we describe a method in which nutrient restriction and RA synergistically induce meiotic initiation into meiotic prophase I in cultured mouse SSCs.

Advances of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for in vitro spermatogenesis

The loss of germ cells and spermatogenic failure in non-obstructive azoospermia are believed to be the main causes of male infertility. Laboratory studies have used in vitro testicular models and different 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems for preservation, proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in recent decades. The establishment of testis-like structures would facilitate the study of drug and toxicity screening, pathological mechanisms and in vitro differentiation of SSCs which resulted in possible treatment of male infertility. The different culture systems using cellular aggregation with self-assembling capability, the use of different natural and synthetic biomaterials and various methods for scaffold fabrication provided a suitable 3D niche for testicular cells development. Recently, 3D culture models have noticeably used in research for their architectural and functional similarities to native microenvironment. In this review article, we briefly investigated the recent 3D culture systems that provided a suitable platform for male fertility preservation through organ culture of testis fragments, proliferation and differentiation of SSCs.

Review: Embryonic stem cells as tools for in vitro gamete production in livestock

The goal of in vitro gametogenesis is to reproduce the events of sperm and oocyte development in the laboratory. Significant advances have been made in the mouse in the last decade, but evolutionary divergence from the murine developmental program has prevented the replication of these advances in large mammals. In recent years, intensive work has been done in humans, non-human primates and livestock to elucidate species-specific differences that regulate germ cell development, due to the number of potential applications. One of the most promising applications is the use of in vitro gametes to optimize the spread of elite genetics in cattle. In this context, embryonic stem cells have been posed as excellent candidates for germ cell platforms. Here, we present the most relevant advances in in vitro gametogenesis of interest to livestock science, including new types of pluripotent stem cells with potential for germline derivation, characterization of the signaling environment in the gonadal niche, and experimental systems used to reproduce different stages of germ cell development in the laboratory.

Ovarian aging: mechanisms and intervention strategies

Ovarian reserve is essential for fertility and influences healthy aging in women. Advanced maternal age correlates with the progressive loss of both the quantity and quality of oocytes. The molecular mechanisms and various contributing factors underlying ovarian aging have been uncovered. In this review, we highlight some of critical factors that impact oocyte quantity and quality during aging. Germ cell and follicle reserve at birth determines reproductive lifespan and timing the menopause in female mammals. Accelerated diminishing ovarian reserve leads to premature ovarian aging or insufficiency. Poor oocyte quality with increasing age could result from chromosomal cohesion deterioration and misaligned chromosomes, telomere shortening, DNA damage and associated genetic mutations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic alteration. We also discuss the intervention strategies to delay ovarian aging. Both the efficacy of senotherapies by antioxidants against reproductive aging and mitochondrial therapy are discussed. Functional oocytes and ovarioids could be rejuvenated from pluripotent stem cells or somatic cells. We propose directions for future interventions. As couples increasingly begin delaying parenthood in life worldwide, understanding the molecular mechanisms during female reproductive aging and potential intervention strategies could benefit women in making earlier choices about their reproductive health.

Modeling Human Gonad Development in Organoids

BACKGROUND

Our learning about human reproductive development is greatly hampered due to the absence of an adequate model. Animal studies cannot truthfully recapitulate human developmental processes, and studies of human fetal tissues are limited by their availability and ethical restrictions. Innovative three-dimensional (3D) organoid technology utilizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offered a new approach to study tissue and organ development in vitro. However, a system for modeling human gonad development has not been established, thus, limiting our ability to study causes of infertility.

METHODS

In our study we utilized the 3D hPSC organoid culture in mini-spin bioreactors. Relying on intrinsic self-organizing and differentiation capabilities of stem cells, we explored whether organoids could mimic the development of human embryonic and fetal gonad.

RESULTS

We have developed a simple, bioreactor-based organoid system for modeling early human gonad development. Male hPSC-derived organoids follow the embryonic gonad developmental trajectory and differentiate into multipotent progenitors, which further specialize into testicular supporting and interstitial cells. We demonstrated functional activity of the generated cell types by analyzing the expression of cell type-specific markers. Furthermore, the specification of gonadal progenitors in organoid culture was accompanied by the characteristic architectural tissue organization.

CONCLUSION

This organoid system opens the opportunity for detailed studies of human gonad and germ cell development that can advance our understanding of sex development disorders. Implementation of human gonad organoid technology could be extended to modeling causes of infertility and regenerative medicine applications.

Suppression of trinucleotide repeat expansion in spermatogenic cells in Huntington's disease

Trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) are dispersed throughout the human genome. About 20 loci are related to human diseases, such as Huntington’s disease (HD). A larger TNR instability is predominantly observed in the paternal germ cells in some TNR disorders. Suppressing the expansion during spermatogenesis can provide a unique opportunity to end the vicious cycle of genetic anticipation. Here, using an in vitro differentiation method to derive advanced spermatogenic cells, we investigated the efficacy of two therapeutic agents, araC (cytarabine) and aspirin, on stabilizing TNRs in spermatogenic cells. Two WT patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and two HD hiPSC lines, with 44 Q and 180 Q, were differentiated into spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs). Both HD cell lines showed CAG tract expansion in SSCLC. When treated with araC and aspirin, HD1 showed moderate but not statistically significant stabilization of TNR. In HD2, 10 nM of aspirin and araC showed significant stabilization of TNR. All cell lines showed increased DNA damage response (DDR) gene expression in SSCLCs while more genes were significantly induced in HD SSCLC. In HD1, araC and aspirin treatment showed general suppression of DNA damage response genes. In HD2, only FAN1, OGG1, and PCNA showed significant suppression. When the methylation profile of HD cells was analyzed, FAN1 and OGG1 showed significant hypermethylation after the aspirin and araC treatment in SSCLC compared to the control. This study underscores the utility of our in vitro spermatogenesis model to study and develop therapies for TNR disorders such as HD.

In vitro spermatogenesis: Why meiotic checkpoints matter

Successful in vitro spermatogenesis would generate functional haploid spermatids, and thus, form the basis for novel approaches to treat patients with impaired spermatogenesis or develop alternative strategies for male fertility preservation. Several culture strategies, including cell cultures using various stem cells and ex vivo cultures of testicular tissue, have been investigated to recapitulate spermatogenesis in vitro. Although some studies have described complete meiosis and subsequent generation of functional spermatids, key meiotic events, such as chromosome synapsis and homologous recombination required for successful meiosis and faithful in vitro-derived gametes, are often not reported. To guarantee the generation of in vitro-formed spermatids without persistent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and chromosomal aberrations, criteria to evaluate whether all meiotic events are completely executed in vitro need to be established. In vivo, these meiotic events are strictly monitored by meiotic checkpoints that eliminate aberrant spermatocytes. To establish criteria to evaluate in vitro meiosis, we review the meiotic events and checkpoints that have been investigated by previous in vitro spermatogenesis studies. We found that, although major meiotic events such as initiation of DSBs and recombination, complete chromosome synapsis, and XY-body formation can be achieved in vitro, crossover formation, chiasmata frequency, and checkpoint mechanisms have been mostly ignored. In addition, complete spermiogenesis, during which round spermatids differentiate into elongated spermatids, has not been achieved in vitro by various cell culture strategies. Finally, we discuss the implications of meiotic checkpoints for in vitro spermatogenesis protocols and future clinical use.

Deletion of Orc4 during oogenesis severely reduces polar body extrusion and blocks zygotic DNA replication†

Origin recognition complex subunit 4 (ORC4) is a DNA-binding protein required for DNA replication. During oocyte maturation, after the last oocyte DNA replication step and before zygotic DNA replication, the oocyte undergoes two meiotic cell divisions in which half the DNA is ejected in much smaller polar bodies. We previously demonstrated that ORC4 forms a cytoplasmic cage around the DNA that is ejected in both polar body extrusion (PBE) events. Here, we used ZP3 activated Cre to delete exon 7 of Orc4 during oogenesis to test how it affected both predicted functions of ORC4: its recently discovered role in PBE and its well-known role in DNA synthesis. Orc4 deletion severely reduced PBE. Almost half of Orc4-depleted germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes cultured in vitro were arrested before anaphase I (48%), and only 25% produced normal first polar bodies. This supports the role of ORC4 in PBE and suggests that transcription of the full-length Orc4 during oogenesis is required for efficient PBE. Orc4 deletion also abolished zygotic DNA synthesis. Fewer Orc4-depleted oocytes developed to the metaphase II (MII) stage, and after activation these oocytes were arrested at the two-cell stage without undergoing DNA synthesis. This confirms that transcription of full-length Orc4 after the primary follicle stage is required for zygotic DNA replication. The data also suggest that MII oocytes do not have a replication licensing checkpoint as cytokinesis progressed without DNA synthesis. Together, the data confirm that oocyte ORC4 is important for both PBE and zygotic DNA synthesis.

Male fertility preservation and restoration strategies for patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies†

Medical treatments for cancers or other conditions can lead to permanent infertility. Infertility is an insidious disease that impacts not only the ability to have a biological child but also the emotional well-being of the infertile individuals, relationships, finances, and overall health. Therefore, all patients should be educated about the effects of their medical treatments on future fertility and about fertility preservation options. The standard fertility preservation option for adolescent and adult men is sperm cryopreservation. Sperms can be frozen and stored for a long period, thawed at a later date, and used to achieve pregnancy with existing assisted reproductive technologies. However, sperm cryopreservation is not applicable for prepubertal patients who do not yet produce sperm. The only fertility preservation option available to prepubertal boys is testicular tissue cryopreservation. Next-generation technologies are being developed to mature those testicular cells or tissues to produce fertilization-competent sperms. When sperm and testicular tissues are not available for fertility preservation, inducing pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, such as blood or skin, may provide an alternative path to produce sperms through a process call in vitro gametogenesis. This review describes standard and experimental options to preserve male fertility as well as the experimental options to produce functional spermatids or sperms from immature cryopreserved testicular tissues or somatic cells.

Spermatogonial Stem Cell-Based Therapies: Taking Preclinical Research to the Next Level

Fertility preservation via biobanking of testicular tissue retrieved from testicular biopsies is now generally recommended for boys who need to undergo gonadotoxic treatment prior to the onset of puberty, as a source of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SSCs have the potential of forming spermatids and may be used for therapeutic fertility approaches later in life. Although in the past 30 years many milestones have been reached to work towards SSC-based fertility restoration therapies, including transplantation of SSCs, grafting of testicular tissue and various in vitro and ex vivo spermatogenesis approaches, unfortunately, all these fertility therapies are still in a preclinical phase and not yet available for patients who have become infertile because of their treatment during childhood. Therefore, it is now time to take the preclinical research towards SSC-based therapy to the next level to resolve major issues that impede clinical implementation. This review gives an outline of the state of the art of the effectiveness and safety of fertility preservation and SSC-based therapies and addresses the hurdles that need to be taken for optimal progression towards actual clinical implementation of safe and effective SSC-based fertility treatments in the near future.

Lactate Activates Germline and Cleavage Embryo Genes in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Lactate was recently found to mediate histone lysine lactylation and facilitate polarization of M1 macrophages, indicating its role in metabolic regulation of gene expression. During somatic cell reprogramming, lactate promotes histone lactylation of pluripotency genes and improves reprogramming efficiency. However, the function of lactate in cell fate control in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains elusive. In this study, we revealed that lactate supplementation activated germline genes in mouse ESCs. Lactate also induced global upregulation of cleavage embryo genes, such as members of the Zscan4 gene family. Further exploration demonstrated that lactate stimulated H3K18 lactylation accumulation on germline and cleavage embryo genes, which in turn promoted transcriptional elongation. Our findings indicated that lactate supplementation expanded the transcriptional network in mouse ESCs.

Comparative analysis of vertebrates reveals that mouse primordial oocytes do not contain a Balbiani body

Oocytes spend the majority of their lifetime in a primordial state. The cellular and molecular biology of primordial oocytes is largely unexplored; yet, studying these is necessary to understand the mechanisms through which oocytes maintain cellular fitness for decades, and why they eventually fail with age. Here, we develop enabling methods for live-imaging based comparative characterization of Xenopus, mouse and human primordial oocytes. We show that primordial oocytes in all three vertebrate species contain active mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and lysosomes. We further demonstrate that human and Xenopus oocytes have a Balbiani body characterized by a dense accumulation of mitochondria in their cytoplasm. However, despite previous reports, we did not find a Balbiani body in mouse oocytes. Instead, we demonstrate what was previously used as a marker for the Balbiani body in mouse primordial oocytes is in fact a ring-shaped Golgi apparatus that is not functionally associated with oocyte dormancy. Our work provides the first insights into the organisation of the cytoplasm in mammalian primordial oocytes, and clarifies relative advantages and limitations of choosing different model organisms for studying oocyte dormancy.

Blastocyst development after fertilization with in vitro spermatids derived from nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that functional spermatids can be derived in vitro from nonhuman primate pluripotent stem cells.

DESIGN

Green fluorescent protein-labeled, rhesus macaque nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells (nhpESCs) were differentiated into advanced male germ cell lineages using a modified serum-free spermatogonial stem cell culture medium. In vitro-derived round spermatid-like cells (rSLCs) from differentiated nhpESCs were assessed for their ability to fertilize rhesus oocytes by intracytoplasmic sperm(atid) injection.

SETTING

Multiple academic laboratory settings.

PATIENTS

Not applicable.

INTERVENTIONS

Intracytoplasmic sperm(atid) injection of in vitro-derived spermatids from nhpESCs into rhesus macaque oocytes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Differentiation into spermatogenic cell lineages was measured through multiple assessments including ribonucleic acid sequencing and immunocytochemistry for various spermatogenic markers. In vitro spermatids were assessed for their ability to fertilize oocytes by intracytoplasmic sperm(atid) injection by assessing early fertilization events such as spermatid deoxyribonucleic acid decondensation and pronucleus formation/apposition. Preimplantation embryo development from the one-cell zygote stage to the blastocyst stage was also assessed.

RESULTS

Nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells can be differentiated into advanced germ cell lineages, including haploid rSLCs. These rSLCs undergo deoxyribonucleic acid decondensation and pronucleus formation/apposition when microinjected into rhesus macaque mature oocytes, which, after artificial activation and coinjection of ten-eleven translocation 3 protein, undergo embryonic divisions with approximately 12% developing successfully into expanded blastocysts.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates that rSLCs, generated in vitro from primate pluripotent stem cells, mimic many of the capabilities of in vivo round spermatids and perform events essential for preimplantation development. To our knowledge, this work represents, for the first time, that functional spermatid-like cells can be derived in vitro from primate pluripotent stem cells.

In Vitro Meiosis of Male Germline Stem Cells

In vitro spermatogenesis has been achieved by culturing mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) together with a cell suspension of male juvenile gonad. However, for human fertility treatment or preservation, patient-specific ESCs or juvenile gonad is not available. We therefore aim to achieve in vitro spermatogenesis using male germline stem cells (GSCs) without the use of juvenile gonad. GSCs, when cultured on immortalized Sertoli cells, were able to enter meiosis, reach the meiotic metaphase stages, and sporadically form spermatid-like cells. However, the in vitro-formed pachytene-like spermatocytes did not display full chromosome synapsis and did not form meiotic crossovers. Despite this, the meiotic checkpoints that usually eliminate such cells to prevent genomic instabilities from being transmitted to the offspring were not activated, allowing the cells to proceed to the meiotic metaphase stages. In vitro-generated spermatid-like cells should thus be thoroughly investigated before being considered for clinical use.

Meiotic recombination mirrors patterns of germline replication in mice and humans

Genetic recombination generates novel trait combinations, and understanding how recombination is distributed across the genome is key to modern genetics. The PRDM9 protein defines recombination hotspots; however, megabase-scale recombination patterning is independent of PRDM9. The single round of DNA replication, which precedes recombination in meiosis, may establish these patterns; therefore, we devised an approach to study meiotic replication that includes robust and sensitive mapping of replication origins. We find that meiotic DNA replication is distinct; reduced origin firing slows replication in meiosis, and a distinctive replication pattern in human males underlies the subtelomeric increase in recombination. We detected a robust correlation between replication and both contemporary and historical recombination and found that replication origin density coupled with chromosome size determines the recombination potential of individual chromosomes. Our findings and methods have implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying DNA replication, genetic recombination, and the landscape of mammalian germline variation.

Germ cells of the mammalian female: A limited or renewable resource?

In many non-mammalian organisms, a population of germ-line stem cells supports continuing production of gametes during most or all the life of the individual, and germ-line stem cells are also present and functional in male mammals. Traditionally, however, they have been thought not to exist in female mammals, who instead generate all their germ cells during fetal life. Over the last several years, this dogma has been challenged by several reports, while supported by others. We describe and compare these conflicting studies with the aim of understanding how they came to opposing conclusions. We first consider studies that, by examining marker-gene expression, the fate of genetically marked cells, and consequences of depleting the oocyte population, addressed whether ovaries of post-natal females contain oogonial stem cells (OSC) that give rise to new oocytes. We next discuss whether ovaries contain cells that, even if inactive under physiological conditions, nonetheless possess OSC properties that can be revealed through cell-culture. We then examine studies of whether cells harvested after long-term culture of cells obtained from ovaries can, following transplantation into ovaries of recipient females, give rise to oocytes and offspring. Finally, we note studies where somatic cells have been re-programmed to acquire a female germ-cell fate. We conclude that the weight of evidence strongly supports the traditional interpretation that germ-line stem cells do not exist post-natally in female mammals. However, the ability to generate germ cells from somatic cells in vitro establishes a method to generate new gametes from cells of post-natal mammalian females.

SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is not essential for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse

SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is an evolutionarily conserved, testis-specific protein that is differentially expressed during rat male meiotic prophase. Some reports have suggested a link between SPATS1 underexpression/mutation and human pathologies such as male infertility and testicular cancer. Given the absence of functional studies, we generated a Spats1 loss-of-function mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The phenotypic analysis showed no overt phenotype in Spats1^-/- mice, with both males and females being fertile. Flow cytometry and histological analyses did not show differences in the testicular content and histology between WT and knockout mice. Moreover, no significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were observed between WT and KO mice. These results were obtained both for young adults and for aged animals. Besides, although an involvement of SPATS1 in the Wnt signaling pathway has been suggested, we did not detect changes in the expression levels of typical Wnt pathway-target genes in mutant individuals. Thus, albeit Spats1 alteration might be a risk factor for male testicular health, we hereby show that this gene is not individually essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mouse.

Nutrient restriction synergizes with retinoic acid to induce mammalian meiotic initiation in vitro

The molecular machinery and chromosome structures carrying out meiosis are frequently conserved from yeast to mammals. However, signals initiating meiosis appear divergent: while nutrient restriction induces meiosis in the yeast system, retinoic acid (RA) and its target Stra8 have been shown to be necessary but not sufficient to induce meiotic initiation in mammalian germ cells. Here, we use primary culture of mouse undifferentiated spermatogonia without the support of gonadal somatic cells to show that nutrient restriction in combination with RA is sufficient to induce Stra8- and Spo11-dependent meiotic gene and chromosome programs that recapitulate the transcriptomic and cytologic features of in vivo meiosis. We demonstrate that neither nutrient restriction nor RA alone exerts these effects. Moreover, we identify a distinctive network of 11 nutrient restriction-upregulated transcription factor genes, which are associated with early meiosis in vivo and whose expression does not require RA. Our study proposes a conserved model, in which nutrient restriction induces meiotic initiation by upregulating key transcription factor genes for the meiotic gene program and provides an in vitro platform for meiotic induction that could facilitate research and haploid gamete production.

Transcriptomics of Meiosis in the Male Mouse

Molecular studies of meiosis in mammals have been long relegated due to some intrinsic obstacles, namely the impossibility to reproduce the process in vitro, and the difficulty to obtain highly pure isolated cells of the different meiotic stages. In the recent years, some technical advances, from the improvement of flow cytometry sorting protocols to single-cell RNAseq, are enabling to profile the transcriptome and its fluctuations along the meiotic process. In this mini-review we will outline the diverse methodological approaches that have been employed, and some of the main findings that have started to arise from these studies. As for practical reasons most studies have been carried out in males, and mostly using mouse as a model, our focus will be on murine male meiosis, although also including specific comments about humans. Particularly, we will center on the controversy about gene expression during early meiotic prophase; the widespread existing gap between transcription and translation in meiotic cells; the expression patterns and potential roles of meiotic long non-coding RNAs; and the visualization of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation from the RNAseq perspective.

Current progress, challenges, and future prospects of testis organoids†

Spermatogenic failure is believed to be a major cause of male infertility. The establishment of a testis organoid model would facilitate the study of such pathological mechanisms and open the possibility of male fertility preservation. Because of the complex structures and cellular events occurring within the testis, the establishment of a compartmentalized testis organoid with a complete spermatogenic cycle remains a challenge in all species. Since the late 20th century, a great variety of scaffold-based and scaffold-free testis cell culture systems have been established to recapitulate de novo testis organogenesis and in vitro spermatogenesis. The utilization of the hydrogel scaffolds provides a 3D microenvironment for testis cell growth and development, facilitating the reconstruction of de novo testis tissue-like structures and spermatogenic differentiation. Using a combination of different strategies, including the use of various scaffolding biomaterials, the incorporation of the living cells with high self-assembling capacity, and the integration of the advanced fabrication techniques, a scaffold-based testis organoid with a compartmentalized structure that supports in vitro spermatogenesis may be achieved. This article briefly reviews the current progress in the development of scaffold-based testis organoids while focusing on the scaffolding biomaterials (hydrogels), cell sources, and scaffolding approaches. Key challenges in current organoid studies are also discussed along with recommendations for future research.

Contributions of Flow Cytometry to the Molecular Study of Spermatogenesis in Mammals

Mammalian testes are very heterogeneous organs, with a high number of different cell types. Testicular heterogeneity, together with the lack of reliable in vitro culture systems of spermatogenic cells, have been an obstacle for the characterization of the molecular bases of the unique events that take place along the different spermatogenic stages. In this context, flow cytometry has become an invaluable tool for the analysis of testicular heterogeneity, and for the purification of stage-specific spermatogenic cell populations, both for basic research and for clinical applications. In this review, we highlight the importance of flow cytometry for the advances on the knowledge of the molecular groundwork of spermatogenesis in mammals. Moreover, we provide examples of different approaches to the study of spermatogenesis that have benefited from flow cytometry, including the characterization of mutant phenotypes, transcriptomics, epigenetic and genome-wide chromatin studies, and the attempts to establish cell culture systems for research and/or clinical aims such as infertility treatment.

Meiotic Chromosome Synapsis and XY-Body Formation In Vitro

To achieve spermatogenesis in vitro, one of the most challenging processes to mimic is meiosis. Meiotic problems, like incomplete synapsis of the homologous chromosomes, or impaired homologous recombination, can cause failure of crossover formation and subsequent chromosome nondisjunction, eventually leading to aneuploid sperm. These meiotic events are therefore strictly monitored by meiotic checkpoints that initiate apoptosis of aberrant spermatocytes and lead to spermatogenic arrest. However, we recently found that, in vitro derived meiotic cells proceeded to the first meiotic division (MI) stage, despite displaying incomplete chromosome synapsis, no discernible XY-body and lack of crossover formation. We therefore optimized our in vitro culture system of meiosis from male germline stem cells (mGSCs) in order to achieve full chromosome synapsis, XY-body formation and meiotic crossovers. In comparison to previous culture system, the in vitro-generated spermatocytes were transferred after meiotic initiation to a second culture dish. This dish already contained a freshly plated monolayer of proliferatively inactivated immortalized Sertoli cells supporting undifferentiated mGSCs. In this way we aimed to simulate the multiple layers of germ cell types that support spermatogenesis in vivo in the testis. We found that in this optimized culture system, although independent of the undifferentiated mGSCs, meiotic chromosome synapsis was complete and XY body appeared normal. However, meiotic recombination still occurred insufficiently and only few meiotic crossovers were formed, leading to MI-spermatocytes displaying univalent chromosomes (paired sister chromatids). Therefore, considering that meiotic checkpoints are not necessarily fully functional in vitro, meiotic crossover formation should be closely monitored when mimicking gametogenesis in vitro to prevent generation of aneuploid gametes.

Dissecting the initiation of female meiosis in the mouse at single-cell resolution

Meiosis is one of the most finely orchestrated events during gametogenesis with distinct developmental patterns in males and females. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process remain not well known. Here, we report detailed transcriptome analyses of cell populations present in the mouse female gonadal ridges (E11.5) and the embryonic ovaries from E12.5 to E14.5 using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq). These periods correspond with the initiation and progression of meiosis throughout the first stage of prophase I. We identified 13 transcriptionally distinct cell populations and 7 transcriptionally distinct germ cell subclusters that correspond to mitotic (3 clusters) and meiotic (4 clusters) germ cells. By analysing cluster-specific gene expression profiles, we found four cell clusters correspond to different cell stages en route to meiosis and characterized their detailed transcriptome dynamics. Our scRNA seq analysis here represents a new important resource for deciphering the molecular pathways driving female meiosis initiation.

In vitro testicular organogenesis from human fetal gonads produces fertilization-competent spermatids

Unlike most organs that mature during the fetal period, the male reproductive system reaches maturity only at puberty with the commencement of spermatogenesis. Robust modelling of human testicular organogenesis in vitro would facilitate research into mechanisms of and factors affecting human spermatogenic failure and male fertility preservation in prepubertal tumor patients. Here, we report successful recapitulation of human testicular organogenesis in vitro from fetal gonadal ridge. Our model displayed the formation of mature seminiferous epithelium and self-renewing spermatogonia. Remarkably, in vitro-derived haploid spermatids have undergone meiotic recombination, and showed increased genetic diversity as indicated by genetic analysis. Moreover, these spermatids were able to fertilize oocytes and support subsequent blastocyst formation. The in vitro testicular organogenesis system described here will play an important role in elucidating the regulation of human testis development and maintaining male fertility in prepubertal cancer patients.

Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Reproductive Science-a Comparison of Protocols Used to Generate and Define Male Germ Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Globally, fertility-related issues affect around 15% of couples. In 20%–30% of cases men are solely responsible, and they contribute in around 50% of all cases. Hence, understanding of in vivo germ-cell specification and exploring different angles of fertility preservation and infertility intervention are considered hot topics nowadays, with special focus on the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) as a source of in vitro germ-cell generation. However, the generation of male germ cells from hPSCs can currently be considered challenging, making a judgment on the real perspective of these innovative approaches difficult. Ever since the first spontaneous germ-cell differentiation studies, using human embryonic stem cells, various strategies, including specific co-cultures, gene over-expression, and addition of growth factors, have been applied for human germ-cell derivation. In line with the variety of differentiation methods, the outcomes have ranged from early and migratory primordial germ cells up to post-meiotic spermatids. This variety of culture approaches and cell lines makes comparisons between protocols difficult. Considering the diverse strategies and outcomes, we aim in this mini-review to summarize the literature regarding in vitro derivation of human male germ cells from hPSCs, while keeping a particular focus on the culture methods, growth factors, and cell lines used.

In-vitro spermatogenesis through testis modelling: Toward the generation of testicular organoids

Background

The testicular organoid concept has recently been introduced in tissue engineering to refer to testicular cell organizations modeling testicular architecture and function. The testicular organoid approach gives control over which and how cells reaggregate, which is not possible in organotypic cultures, thereby extending the applicability of in‐vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) systems. However, it remains unclear which culture method and medium allow reassociation of testicular cells into a functional testicular surrogate in‐vitro.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to review the different strategies that have been used in an attempt to create testicular organoids and generate spermatozoa. We want to provide an up‐to‐date list on culture methodologies and media compositions that have been used and determine their role in regulating tubulogenesis and differentiation of testicular cells.

Search method

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to select studies reporting the reorganization of testicular cell suspensions in‐vitro, using the keywords: three‐dimensional culture, in‐vitro spermatogenesis, testicular organoid, testicular scaffold, and tubulogenesis. Papers published before the August 1, 2019, were selected.

Outcome

Only a limited number of studies have concentrated on recreating the testicular architecture in‐vitro. While some advances have been made in the testicular organoid research in terms of cellular reorganization, none of the described culture systems is adequate for the reproduction of both the testicular architecture and IVS.

Conclusion

Further improvements in culture methodology and medium composition have to be made before being able to provide both testicular tubulogenesis and spermatogenesis in‐vitro.

Prospects for new oocyte-based assisted reproduction in animals and humans

Procuring high-quality oocytes is the rate-limiting step for assisted reproduction technologies intended for embryo production. Although much is known about the intraovarian processes that dictate oocyte growth and maturation, subtleties in the process of oogenesis have yet to be replicated in invitro systems. In contrast with the mouse, in which functional oocytes have been derived from stem cells under ex vivo conditions, the generation of developmentally competent oocytes in other species has yet to be achieved. This paper reviews the principles and practices based on stem cell and organ culture strategies that hold promise for developing a technological base upon which future efforts to recapitulate or augment oogenesis in mammals could be realised.

Cell-type-specific genomics reveals histone modification dynamics in mammalian meiosis

Meiosis is the specialized cell division during which parental genomes recombine to create genotypically unique gametes. Despite its importance, mammalian meiosis cannot be studied in vitro, greatly limiting mechanistic studies. In vivo, meiocytes progress asynchronously through meiosis and therefore the study of specific stages of meiosis is a challenge. Here, we describe a method for isolating pure sub-populations of nuclei that allows for detailed study of meiotic substages. Interrogating the H3K4me3 landscape revealed dynamic chromatin transitions between substages of meiotic prophase I, both at sites of genetic recombination and at gene promoters. We also leveraged this method to perform the first comprehensive, genome-wide survey of histone marks in meiotic prophase, revealing a heretofore unappreciated complexity of the epigenetic landscape at meiotic recombination hotspots. Ultimately, this study presents a straightforward, scalable framework for interrogating the complexities of mammalian meiosis.

Meiotic DSB formation, repair and recombination occur in a continuum of substages termed leptonema, zygonema, pachynema, and diplonema. Here, authors develop a method for isolating pure sub-populations of nuclei that allows for detailed study of meiotic substages.

Modern Technologies Deriving Human Primordial Germ Cells in vitro

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are a unique type of stem cells capable of giving rise to totipotent stem cells and ensuring the fertility of an organism and the transfer of its genome to the next generation. PGC research is an important perspective research field of developmental biology that handles many questions of embryogenesis and holds promise for treatments of infertility in the future. Considering ethical concerns related to human embryos, the main research approach in understanding the biology of human PGCs is in vitro studies. In this review, we consider the historical perspective of human PGC studies in vitro, the main existing models, and further outlooks and applications in medicine and science.

Amplification of a broad transcriptional program by a common factor triggers the meiotic cell cycle in mice

The germ line provides the cellular link between generations of multicellular organisms, its cells entering the meiotic cell cycle only once each generation. However, the mechanisms governing this initiation of meiosis remain poorly understood. Here, we examined cells undergoing meiotic initiation in mice, and we found that initiation involves the dramatic upregulation of a transcriptional network of thousands of genes whose expression is not limited to meiosis. This broad gene expression program is directly upregulated by STRA8, encoded by a germ cell-specific gene required for meiotic initiation. STRA8 binds its own promoter and those of thousands of other genes, including meiotic prophase genes, factors mediating DNA replication and the G1-S cell-cycle transition, and genes that promote the lengthy prophase unique to meiosis I. We conclude that, in mice, the robust amplification of this extraordinarily broad transcription program by a common factor triggers initiation of meiosis.

Human-specific subcellular compartmentalization of P-element induced wimpy testis-like (PIWIL) granules during germ cell development and spermatogenesis

STUDY QUESTION

What is the dynamics of expression of P-element induced wimpy testis-like (PIWIL) proteins in the germline during human fetal development and spermatogenesis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4 were expressed in a sex-specific fashion in human germ cells (GC) during development and adulthood. PIWILs showed a mutually exclusive pattern of subcellular localization. PIWILs were present in the intermitochondrial cement and a single large granule in meiotic GC and their expression was different from that observed in mice, highlighting species-differences.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In mice, PIWIL proteins play prominent roles in male infertility. PIWIL mouse mutants show either post-meiotic arrest at the round spermatid stage (PIWIL1) or arrest at the zygotene-pachytene stage of meiosis I (PIWIL2 and PIWIL4) in males, while females remain fertile. Recent studies have reported a robust piRNA pool in human fetal ovary.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a qualitative analysis of PIWILs expression in paraffin-embedded fetal human male (N = 8), female gonads (N = 6) and adult testes (N = 5), and bioinformatics analysis of online available single-cell transcriptomics data of human fetal germ cells (n = 242).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Human fetal gonads from elective abortion without medical indication and adult testes biopsies were donated for research with informed consent. Samples were fixed, paraffin-embedded and analyzed by immunofluorescence to study the temporal and cellular localization of PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

PIWIL1, PIWIL2 and PIWIL4 showed a mutually exclusive pattern of subcellular localization, particularly in female oocytes. To our surprise, PIWIL1 immunostaining revealed the presence of a single dense paranuclear body, resembling the chromatoid body of haploid spermatocytes, in meiotic oocytes. Moreover, in contrast to mice, PIWIL4, but not PIWIL2, localized to the intermitochondrial cement. PIWIL3 was not expressed in GC during development. The upregulation of PIWIL transcripts correlated with the transcription of markers associated with piRNAs biogenesis like the TDRDs and HENMT1 in fetal GC.

LARGE SCALE DATA

Non-applicable.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study is limited by the restricted number of samples and consequently stages analyzed.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In the germline, PIWILs ensure the integrity of the human genome protecting it from ‘parasitic sequences’. This study offers novel insights on the expression dynamics of PIWILs during the window of epigenetic remodeling and meiosis, and highlights important differences between humans and mice, which may prove particularly important to understand causes of infertility and improve both diagnosis and treatment in humans.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

M.G.F. was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) [SFRH/BD/78689/2011]; N.H. by China Scholarship Council (CSC) [No. 201307040026] and F.W. by Medical Personnel Training Abroad Project of Henan Province [No. 2015022] and S.M.C.d.S.L. by the Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research (NWO) [ASPASIA 015.007.037] and the Interuniversity Attraction Poles-Phase VII [IUAP/PAI P7/14]. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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