1
|
Munyoki SK, Orwig KE. Perspectives: Methods for Evaluating Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:341-364. [PMID: 37249880 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex, highly productive process generating millions of sperm per day. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are at the foundation of spermatogenesis and can either self-renew, producing more SSCs, or differentiate to initiate spermatogenesis and produce sperm. The biological potential of SSCs to produce and maintain spermatogenesis makes them a promising tool for the treatment of male infertility. However, translating knowledge from rodents to higher primates (monkeys and humans) is challenged by different vocabularies that are used to describe stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development in those species. Furthermore, while rodent SSCs are defined by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis in a transplant assay, there is no equivalent routine and accessible bioassay to test monkey and human SSCs or replicate their functions in vitro. This chapter describes progress characterizing, isolating, culturing, and transplanting SSCs in higher primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Integrative Systems Biology Graduate Program, Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Givelet M, Firlej V, Lassalle B, Gille AS, Lapoujade C, Holtzman I, Jarysta A, Haghighirad F, Dumont F, Jacques S, Letourneur F, Pflumio F, Allemand I, Patrat C, Thiounn N, Wolf JP, Riou L, Barraud-Lange V, Fouchet P. Transcriptional profiling of β-2M -SPα-6 +THY1 + spermatogonial stem cells in human spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:936-952. [PMID: 35334216 PMCID: PMC9023810 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is responsible for approximately half of all cases of reproductive issues. Spermatogenesis originates in a small pool of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are of interest for therapy of infertility but remain not well defined in humans. Using multiparametric analysis of the side population (SP) phenotype and the α-6 integrin, THY1, and β-2 microglobulin cell markers, we identified a population of human primitive undifferentiated spermatogonia with the phenotype β-2 microglobulin (β-2M)−SPα-6+THY1+, which is highly enriched in stem cells. By analyzing the expression signatures of this SSC-enriched population along with other germinal progenitors, we established an exhaustive transcriptome of human spermatogenesis. Transcriptome profiling of the human β-2M−SPα-6+THY1+ population and comparison with the profile of mouse undifferentiated spermatogonia provide insights into the molecular networks and key transcriptional regulators regulating human SSCs, including the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional repressor HES1, which we show to be implicated in maintenance of SSCs in vitro. Human β-2M−SPα-6+THY1+ undifferentiated spermatogonia are enriched in stem cells Comparative transcriptomics analysis of human and murine spermatogonia HES1 is involved in the physiology of SSCs in vitro
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maelle Givelet
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer, Équipe Génomique Epigénétique et Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Firlej
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer, Équipe Génomique Epigénétique et Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Lassalle
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anne Sophie Gille
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer, Équipe Génomique Epigénétique et Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Clementine Lapoujade
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Isabelle Holtzman
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Département de Génétique, Développement et Cancer, Équipe Génomique Epigénétique et Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Amandine Jarysta
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Farahd Haghighirad
- UFR Médecine Paris Centre-Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'école de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Florent Dumont
- Université Paris Saclay, UMS IPSIT, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sébastien Jacques
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Plateforme Séquençage et Génomique, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Franck Letourneur
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Plateforme Séquençage et Génomique, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Françoise Pflumio
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, LSHL, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Isabelle Allemand
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- UFR Médecine Paris Centre-Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'école de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Thiounn
- Department of urology and transplant surgery, Hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, AP-HP, Université de Paris, 20 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean Philippe Wolf
- UFR Médecine Paris Centre-Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'école de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Lydia Riou
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Virginie Barraud-Lange
- UFR Médecine Paris Centre-Université de Paris, 15 rue de l'école de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, CHU Cochin, Histologie-Embryologie-Biologie de la Reproduction, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Fouchet
- Université de Paris and Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, UMR Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, iRCM/IBFJ, Laboratoire des Cellules Souches Germinales, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yuan H, Sun J, Wang S, Xiang Z, Yang F, Yan Y, Duan Y, Li L, Wu X, Si W. Primary culture of germ cells that portray stem cell characteristics and recipient preparation for autologous transplantation in the rhesus monkey. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1567-1578. [PMID: 35104031 PMCID: PMC8899175 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility preservation for prepubertal cancer patients prior to oncologic treatment is an emerging issue, and non‐human primates are considered to constitute suitable models due to the limited availability of human testicular tissues. However, the feasibility of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) propagation in vitro and autologous testicular germ cell transplantation in vivo requires further exploration in monkeys. Herein, we characterized germ cells in macaque testes at 6 months (M), 18 M and 60 M of age, and effectively isolated the spermatogenic cells (including the spermatogonia) from macaque testes with high purity (over 80%) using combined approaches of STA‐PUT separation, Percoll gradients and differential plating. We also generated recipient monkey testes with ablated endogenous spermatogenesis using the alkylating agent busulfan in six macaques, and successfully mimicked autologous cell transplantation in the testes under ultrasonographic guidance. The use of trypan blue led to successful intratubular injection in 4 of 4 testes. Although SSCs in culture showed no significant propagation, we were able to maintain monkey testicular germ cells with stem cell characteristics for up to 3 weeks. Collectively, these data provided meaningful information for future fertility preservation and SSC studies on both non‐human primates and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaqin Yuan
- Cancer Center of Nanjing GaoChun People's Hospital, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiachen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ziyi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaping Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yanchao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Si
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Galdon G, Deebel NA, Zarandi NP, Teramoto D, Lue Y, Wang C, Swerdloff R, Pettenati MJ, Kearns WG, Howards S, Kogan S, Atala A, Sadri-Ardekani H. In vitro propagation of XXY human Klinefelter spermatogonial stem cells: A step towards new fertility opportunities. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1002279. [PMID: 36246909 PMCID: PMC9554955 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1002279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is characterized by a masculine phenotype, supernumerary sex chromosomes (47, XXY), and impaired fertility due to loss of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Early testicular cryopreservation could be an option for future fertility treatments in these patients, including SSCs transplantation or in vitro spermatogenesis. It is critically essential to adapt current in vitro SSCs propagation systems as a fertility option for KS patients. KS human testicular samples (13,15- and 17-year-old non-mosaic KS boys) were donated by patients enrolled in an experimental testicular tissue banking program. Testicular cells were isolated from cryopreserved tissue and propagated in long-term culture for 110 days. Cell-specific gene expression confirmed the presence of all four main cell types found in testes: Spermatogonia, Sertoli, Leydig, and Peritubular cells. A population of ZBTB16+ undifferentiated spermatogonia was identified throughout the culture using digital PCR. Flow cytometric analysis also detected an HLA-/CD9+/CD49f+ population, indicating maintenance of a stem cell subpopulation among the spermatogonial cells. FISH staining for chromosomes X and Y showed most cells containing an XXY karyotype with a smaller number containing either XY or XX. Both XY and XX populations were able to be enriched by magnetic sorting for CD9 as a spermatogonia marker. Molecular karyotyping demonstrated genomic stability of the cultured cells, over time. Finally, single-cell RNAseq analysis confirmed transcription of ID4, TCN2, and NANOS 3 within a population of putative SSCs population. This is the first study showing successful isolation and long-term in vitro propagation of human KS testicular cells. These findings could inform the development of therapeutic fertility options for KS patients, either through in vitro spermatogenesis or transplantation of SSC, in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Galdon
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de doctorado, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicholas A. Deebel
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | | | - Darren Teramoto
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - YanHe Lue
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ronald Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mark J. Pettenati
- Section of Medical Genetics, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - William G. Kearns
- AdvaGenix and Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore and Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Stuart Howards
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Stanley Kogan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Hooman Sadri-Ardekani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Hooman Sadri-Ardekani,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Galdon G, Deebel NA, Zarandi NP, Pettenati MJ, Kogan S, Wang C, Swerdloff RS, Atala A, Lue Y, Sadri-Ardekani H. In Vitro Propagation of XXY Undifferentiated Mouse Spermatogonia: Model for Fertility Preservation in Klinefelter Syndrome Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:173. [PMID: 35008599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is characterized by a masculine phenotype, supernumerary sex chromosomes (usually XXY), and spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) loss in their early life. Affecting 1 out of every 650 males born, KS is the most common genetic cause of male infertility, and new fertility preservation strategies are critically important for these patients. In this study, testes from 41, XXY prepubertal (3-day-old) mice were frozen-thawed. Isolated testicular cells were cultured and characterized by qPCR, digital PCR, and flow cytometry analyses. We demonstrated that SSCs survived and were able to be propagated with testicular somatic cells in culture for up to 120 days. DNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) showed the presence of XXY spermatogonia at the beginning of the culture and a variety of propagated XY, XX, and XXY spermatogonia at the end of the culture. These data provide the first evidence that an extra sex chromosome was lost during innate SSC culture, a crucial finding in treating KS patients for preserving and propagating SSCs for future sperm production, either in vitro or in vivo. This in vitro propagation system can be translated to clinical fertility preservation for KS patients.
Collapse
|
6
|
Martin-Inaraja M, Ferreira M, Taelman J, Eguizabal C, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Improving In Vitro Culture of Human Male Fetal Germ Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082033. [PMID: 34440801 PMCID: PMC8393746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male human fetal germ cells (hFGCs) give rise to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are the adult precursors of the male gametes. Human SSCs are a promising (autologous) source of cells for male fertility preservation; however, in contrast to mouse SSCs, we are still unable to culture them in the long term. Here, we investigated the effect of two different culture media and four substrates (laminin, gelatin, vitronectin and matrigel) in the culture of dissociated second trimester testes, enriched for hFGCs. After 6 days in culture, we quantified the presence of POU5F1 and DDX4 expressing hFGCs. We observed a pronounced difference in hFGC number in different substrates. The combination of gelatin-coated substrate and medium containing GDNF, LIF, FGF2 and EGF resulted in the highest percentage of hFGCs (10% of the total gonadal cells) after 6 days of culture. However, the vitronectin-coated substrate resulted in a comparable percentage of hFGCs regardless of the media used (3.3% of total cells in Zhou-medium and 4.8% of total cells in Shinohara-medium). We provide evidence that not only the choices of culture medium but also choices of the adequate substrate are crucial for optimizing culture protocols for male hFGCs. Optimizing culture conditions in order to improve the expansion of hFGCs will benefit the development of gametogenesis assays in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Martin-Inaraja
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Monica Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Susana M. Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-9350
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
An JH, He L, Hou R, Cai ZG, Wang DH, Shi KY, Liu SR, Yue CJ, Liu YL. Characterization of Molecular Markers of Testicular Cells in Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens styani). Mammal Study 2021. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2020-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui An
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Ling He
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Cai
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Dong-Hui Wang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Ke-Yu Shi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Song-Rui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Chan-Juan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Yu-Liang Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wyns C, Kanbar M, Giudice MG, Poels J. Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys: lessons learned from the past and update on remaining challenges towards clinical translation. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:433-459. [PMID: 33326572 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer incidence and survivorship are both on the rise. However, many lifesaving treatments threaten the prepubertal testis. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT), containing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), as a fertility preservation (FP) option for this population is increasingly proposed worldwide. Recent achievements notably the birth of non-human primate (NHP) progeny using sperm developed in frozen-thawed ITT autografts has given proof of principle of the reproductive potential of banked ITT. Outlining the current state of the art on FP for prepubertal boys is crucial as some of the boys who have cryopreserved ITT since the early 2000s are now in their reproductive age and are already seeking answers with regards to their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In the light of past decade achievements and observations, this review aims to provide insight into relevant questions for clinicians involved in FP programmes. Have the indications for FP for prepubertal boys changed over time? What is key for patient counselling and ITT sampling based on the latest achievements in animals and research performed with human ITT? How far are we from clinical application of methods to restore reproductive capacity with cryostored ITT? SEARCH METHODS An extensive search for articles published in English or French since January 2010 to June 2020 using keywords relevant to the topic of FP for prepubertal boys was made in the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Original articles on fertility preservation with emphasis on those involving prepubertal testicular tissue, as well as comprehensive and systematic reviews were included. Papers with redundancy of information or with an absence of a relevant link for future clinical application were excluded. Papers on alternative sources of stem cells besides SSCs were excluded. OUTCOMES Preliminary follow-up data indicate that around 27% of boys who have undergone testicular sampling as an FP measure have proved azoospermic and must therefore solely rely on their cryostored ITT to ensure biologic parenthood. Auto-transplantation of ITT appears to be the first technique that could enter pilot clinical trials but should be restricted to tissue free of malignant cells. While in vitro spermatogenesis circumvents the risk linked to cancer cell contamination and has led to offspring in mice, complete spermatogenesis has not been achieved with human ITT. However, generation of haploid germ cells paves the way to further studies aimed at completing the final maturation of germ cells and increasing the efficiency of the processes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite all the research done to date, FP for prepubertal boys remains a relatively young field and is often challenging to healthcare providers, patients and parents. As cryopreservation of ITT is now likely to expand further, it is important not only to acknowledge some of the research questions raised on the topic, e.g. the epigenetic and genetic integrity of gametes derived from strategies to restore fertility with banked ITT but also to provide healthcare professionals worldwide with updated knowledge to launch proper multicollaborative care pathways in the field and address clinical issues that will come-up when aiming for the child's best interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wyns
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Kanbar
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Grazia Giudice
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Andrology lab, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khadivi F, Koruji M, Akbari M, Jabari A, Talebi A, Ashouri Movassagh S, Panahi Boroujeni A, Feizollahi N, Nikmahzar A, Pourahmadi M, Abbasi M. Application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves self-renewal of human spermatogonial stem cells in two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151627. [PMID: 33002788 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so male infertility is a great challenge for prepubertal cancer survivors. Cryoconservation of testicular cells before cancer treatment can preserve SSCs from treatment side effects. Different two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems of SSCs have been used in many species as a useful technique to in vitro spermatogenesis. We evaluated the proliferation of SSCs in 2D and 3D culture systems of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). testicular cells of four brain-dead patients cultivated in 2D pre-culture system, characterization of SSCs performed by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and their functionality assessed by xenotransplantation to azoospermia mice. PRP prepared and dosimetry carried out to determine the optimized dose of PRP. After preparation of PRP scaffold, cytotoxic and histological evaluation performed and SSCs cultivated into three groups: control, 2D culture by optimized dose of PRP and PRP scaffold. The diameter and number of colonies measured and relative expression of GFRa1 and c-KIT evaluated by real-time PCR. Results indicated the expression of PLZF, VASA, OCT4, GFRa1 and vimentin in colonies after 2D pre-culture, xenotransplantation demonstrated proliferated SSCs have proper functionality to homing in mouse testes. The relative expression of c-KIT showed a significant increase as compared to the control group (*: p < 0.05) in PRP- 2D group, expression of GFRa1 and c-KIT in PRP scaffold group revealed a significant increase as compared to other groups (***: p < 0.001). The number and diameter of colonies in the PRP-2D group showed a considerable increase (p < 0.01) as compared to the control group. In PRP- scaffold group, a significant increase (p < 0.01) was seen only in the number of colonies related to the control group. Our results suggested that PRP scaffold can reconstruct a suitable structure to the in vitro proliferation of SSCs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Struijk RB, Mulder CL, van Daalen SKM, de Winter-Korver CM, Jongejan A, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. ITGA6+ Human Testicular Cell Populations Acquire a Mesenchymal Rather than Germ Cell Transcriptional Signature during Long-Term Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218269. [PMID: 33158248 PMCID: PMC7672582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous spermatogonial stem cell transplantation is an experimental technique aimed at restoring fertility in infertile men. Although effective in animal models, in vitro propagation of human spermatogonia prior to transplantation has proven to be difficult. A major limiting factor is endogenous somatic testicular cell overgrowth during long-term culture. This makes the culture both inefficient and necessitates highly specific cell sorting strategies in order to enrich cultured germ cell fractions prior to transplantation. Here, we employed RNA-Seq to determine cell type composition in sorted integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6+) primary human testicular cells (n = 4 donors) cultured for up to two months, using differential gene expression and cell deconvolution analyses. Our data and analyses reveal that long-term cultured ITGA6+ testicular cells are composed mainly of cells expressing markers of peritubular myoid cells, (progenitor) Leydig cells, fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells and only a limited percentage of spermatogonial cells as compared to their uncultured counterparts. These findings provide valuable insights into the cell type composition of cultured human ITGA6+ testicular cells during in vitro propagation and may serve as a basis for optimizing future cell sorting strategies as well as optimizing the current human testicular cell culture system for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Struijk
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.B.S.); (C.L.M.); (S.K.M.v.D.); (C.M.d.W.-K.)
| | - Callista L. Mulder
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.B.S.); (C.L.M.); (S.K.M.v.D.); (C.M.d.W.-K.)
| | - Saskia K. M. van Daalen
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.B.S.); (C.L.M.); (S.K.M.v.D.); (C.M.d.W.-K.)
| | - Cindy M. de Winter-Korver
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.B.S.); (C.L.M.); (S.K.M.v.D.); (C.M.d.W.-K.)
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.B.S.); (C.L.M.); (S.K.M.v.D.); (C.M.d.W.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-20-56-67837
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu HC, Xie Y, Deng CH, Liu GH. Stem cell-based therapies for fertility preservation in males: Current status and future prospects. World J Stem Cells 2020; 12:1097-1112. [PMID: 33178394 PMCID: PMC7596443 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i10.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the decline in male fertility in recent years, strategies for male fertility preservation have received increasing attention. In this study, by reviewing current treatments and recent publications, we describe research progress in and the future directions of stem cell-based therapies for male fertility preservation, focusing on the use of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), SSC niches, SSC-based testicular organoids, other stem cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells, and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, a more comprehensive understanding of the germ cell microenvironment, stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, and testicular organoids will play an important role in achieving male fertility preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Chao Liu
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Hua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gui-Hua Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Research Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tan K, Song HW, Thompson M, Munyoki S, Sukhwani M, Hsieh TC, Orwig KE, Wilkinson MF. Transcriptome profiling reveals signaling conditions dictating human spermatogonia fate in vitro. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:17832-41. [PMID: 32661178 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000362117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for the generation of sperm and have potential therapeutic value for treating male infertility, which afflicts >100 million men world-wide. While much has been learned about rodent SSCs, human SSCs remain poorly understood. Here, we molecularly characterize human SSCs and define conditions favoring their culture. To achieve this, we first identified a cell-surface protein, PLPPR3, that allowed purification of human primitive undifferentiated spermatogonia (uSPG) highly enriched for SSCs. Comparative RNA-sequencing analysis of these enriched SSCs with differentiating SPG (KIT+ cells) revealed the full complement of genes that shift expression during this developmental transition, including genes encoding key components in the TGF-β, GDNF, AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. We examined the effect of manipulating these signaling pathways on cultured human SPG using both conventional approaches and single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis. This revealed that GDNF and BMP8B broadly support human SPG culture, while activin A selectively supports more advanced human SPG. One condition-AKT pathway inhibition-had the unique ability to selectively support the culture of primitive human uSPG. This raises the possibility that supplementation with an AKT inhibitor could be used to culture human SSCs in vitro for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
|
13
|
Jabari A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Koruji M, Gholami K, Mohsenzadeh M, Rastegar T, Khadivi F, Ghanami Gashti N, Nikmahzar A, Mojaverrostami S, Talebi A, Ashouri Movassagh S, Rezaie MJ, Abbasi M. Three-dimensional co-culture of human spermatogonial stem cells with Sertoli cells in soft agar culture system supplemented by growth factors and Laminin. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151572. [PMID: 32622422 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Application of a three-dimensional (3D) culture system for in vitro proliferation and differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is a useful tool for the investigation of the spermatogenesis process and the management of male infertility particularly in prepubertal cancer patients. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the proliferation of human SSCs co-cultured with Sertoli cells in soft agar culture system (SACS) supplemented by Laminin and growth factors. Testicular cells were isolated from testes of brain-dead patients and cultured in two-dimensional (2D) culture system for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, functional SSCs were evaluated by xenotransplantation and also identification of cells was assessed by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR. Then, SSCs and Sertoli cells were transferred to the upper layer of SACS for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the number of colonies and the expression of specific SSCs and Sertoli cell markers, as well as apoptotic genes were evaluated. Our results showed that transplanted SSCs, migrated into the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules of recipient mice. The expression of PLZF, α6-Integrin, and Vimentin proteins in SSCs and Sertoli cells were observed in 2D and 3D culture systems. The expression rate of PLZF, α6-Integrin, Bcl2, and colony number in SACS supplemented by Laminin and growth factors group were significantly higher than non-supplemented groups (P ≤ 0.01), but the expression rate of c-kit and Bax in supplemented group were significantly lower than non-supplemented groups (P ≤ 0.05). This 3D co-culture system decreased apoptosis and increased propagation of human SSCs. Therefore, this designed system can be utilized to increase the proliferation of human SSCs in prepubertal male cancer and azoospermic men to obtain an adequate SSCs number to outotransplant success and in vitro spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayob Jabari
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Koruji
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keykavos Gholami
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Mohsenzadeh
- Iranian Tissue Bank and Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Rastegar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Ghanami Gashti
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aghbibi Nikmahzar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mojaverrostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Talebi
- School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran; Sexual Health and Fertility Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Sepideh Ashouri Movassagh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Human and Animal Cell Bank, Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafar Rezaie
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Goossens E, Jahnukainen K, Mitchell RT, van Pelt A, Pennings G, Rives N, Poels J, Wyns C, Lane S, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rives A, Valli-Pulaski H, Steimer S, Kliesch S, Braye A, Andres MM, Medrano J, Ramos L, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY, Bjarnason R, Orwig KE, Neuhaus N, Stukenborg JB. Fertility preservation in boys: recent developments and new insights †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa016. [PMID: 32529047 PMCID: PMC7275639 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is an important side effect of treatments used for cancer and other non-malignant conditions in males. This may be due to the loss of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and/or altered functionality of testicular somatic cells (e.g. Sertoli cells, Leydig cells). Whereas sperm cryopreservation is the first-line procedure to preserve fertility in post-pubertal males, this option does not exist for prepubertal boys. For patients unable to produce sperm and at high risk of losing their fertility, testicular tissue freezing is now proposed as an alternative experimental option to safeguard their fertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE With this review, we aim to provide an update on clinical practices and experimental methods, as well as to describe patient management inclusion strategies used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys at high risk of fertility loss. SEARCH METHODS Based on the expertise of the participating centres and a literature search of the progress in clinical practices, patient management strategies and experimental methods used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys at high risk of fertility loss were identified. In addition, a survey was conducted amongst European and North American centres/networks that have published papers on their testicular tissue banking activity. OUTCOMES Since the first publication on murine SSC transplantation in 1994, remarkable progress has been made towards clinical application: cryopreservation protocols for testicular tissue have been developed in animal models and are now offered to patients in clinics as a still experimental procedure. Transplantation methods have been adapted for human testis, and the efficiency and safety of the technique are being evaluated in mouse and primate models. However, important practical, medical and ethical issues must be resolved before fertility restoration can be applied in the clinic.Since the previous survey conducted in 2012, the implementation of testicular tissue cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys has increased. Data have been collected from 24 co-ordinating centres worldwide, which are actively offering testis tissue cryobanking to safeguard the future fertility of boys. More than 1033 young patients (age range 3 months to 18 years) have already undergone testicular tissue retrieval and storage for fertility preservation. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The review does not include the data of all reproductive centres worldwide. Other centres might be offering testicular tissue cryopreservation. Therefore, the numbers might be not representative for the entire field in reproductive medicine and biology worldwide. The key ethical issue regarding fertility preservation in prepubertal boys remains the experimental nature of the intervention. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The revised procedures can be implemented by the multi-disciplinary teams offering and/or developing treatment strategies to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys who have a high risk of fertility loss. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The work was funded by ESHRE. None of the authors has a conflict of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.,Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh; and the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amm van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - N Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - J Poels
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Wyns
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Lane
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - K A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Section of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, EA 4308 "Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality", Rouen University Hospital, Biology of Reproduction-CECOS Laboratory, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - H Valli-Pulaski
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S Steimer
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - S Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Braye
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M M Andres
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Medrano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - L Ramos
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynacology, Division Reproductive Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Bjarnason
- Children's Medical Center, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland and Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - K E Orwig
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - N Neuhaus
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - J B Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xie X, Nóbrega R, Pšenička M. Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Fish: Characterization, Isolation, Enrichment, and Recent Advances of In Vitro Culture Systems. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E644. [PMID: 32331205 PMCID: PMC7226347 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a continuous and dynamic developmental process, in which a single diploid spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferates and differentiates to form a mature spermatozoon. Herein, we summarize the accumulated knowledge of SSCs and their distribution in the testes of teleosts. We also reviewed the primary endocrine and paracrine influence on spermatogonium self-renewal vs. differentiation in fish. To provide insight into techniques and research related to SSCs, we review available protocols and advances in enriching undifferentiated spermatogonia based on their unique physiochemical and biochemical properties, such as size, density, and differential expression of specific surface markers. We summarize in vitro germ cell culture conditions developed to maintain proliferation and survival of spermatogonia in selected fish species. In traditional culture systems, sera and feeder cells were considered to be essential for SSC self-renewal, in contrast to recently developed systems with well-defined media and growth factors to induce either SSC self-renewal or differentiation in long-term cultures. The establishment of a germ cell culture contributes to efficient SSC propagation in rare, endangered, or commercially cultured fish species for use in biotechnological manipulation, such as cryopreservation and transplantation. Finally, we discuss organ culture and three-dimensional models for in vitro investigation of fish spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xie
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
| | - Rafael Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP 18618-970, Brazil;
| | - Martin Pšenička
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sohni A, Tan K, Song HW, Burow D, de Rooij DG, Laurent L, Hsieh TC, Rabah R, Hammoud SS, Vicini E, Wilkinson MF. The Neonatal and Adult Human Testis Defined at the Single-Cell Level. Cell Rep 2020; 26:1501-1517.e4. [PMID: 30726734 PMCID: PMC6402825 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis has been intensely studied in rodents but remains poorly understood in humans. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze human testes. Clustering analysis of neonatal testes reveals several cell subsets, including cell populations with characteristics of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In adult testes, we identify four undifferentiated spermatogonia (SPG) clusters, each of which expresses specific marker genes. We identify protein markers for the most primitive SPG state, allowing us to purify this likely SSC-enriched cell subset. We map the timeline of male germ cell development from PGCs through fetal germ cells to differentiating adult SPG stages. We also define somatic cell subsets in both neonatal and adult testes and trace their developmental trajectories. Our data provide a blueprint of the developing human male germline and supporting somatic cells. The PGC-like and SSC markers are candidates to be used for SSC therapy to treat infertility. Sohni et al. use scRNA-seq analysis to define cell subsets in the human testis. Highlights include the identification of primordial germ cell- and spermatogonial stem cell-like cell subsets in neonatal testes, numerous undifferentiated spermatogonial cell states in adult testes, and somatic cell subsets in both neonatal and adult testes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Sohni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hye-Won Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dana Burow
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Louise Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tung-Chin Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92103, USA
| | - Raja Rabah
- Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Michigan Medicine, CS Mott and VonVoigtlander Women's Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4272, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of Histology Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Miles F Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ibtisham F, Honaramooz A. Spermatogonial Stem Cells for In Vitro Spermatogenesis and In Vivo Restoration of Fertility. Cells 2020; 9:E745. [PMID: 32197440 PMCID: PMC7140722 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Struijk RB, Dorssers LCJ, Henneman P, Rijlaarsdam MA, Venema A, Jongejan A, Mannens MMAM, Looijenga LHJ, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Comparing genome-scale DNA methylation and CNV marks between adult human cultured ITGA6+ testicular cells and seminomas to assess in vitro genomic stability. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230253. [PMID: 32176716 PMCID: PMC7075560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells is a promising new avenue to restore fertility in infertile recipients. Expansion of the initial spermatogonial stem cell pool through cell culturing is a necessary step to obtain enough cells for effective repopulation of the testis after transplantation. Since in vitro propagation can lead to (epi-)genetic mutations and possibly malignant transformation of the starting cell population, we set out to investigate genome-wide DNA methylation status in uncultured and cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ sorted cells and compare them with germ cell tumor samples of the seminoma subtype. Seminomas displayed a severely global hypomethylated profile, including loss of genomic imprinting, which we did not detect in cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells. Differential methylation analysis revealed altered regulation of gamete formation and meiotic processes in cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells but not in seminomas. The pivotal POU5F1 marker was hypomethylated in seminomas but not in uncultured or cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells, which is reflected in the POU5F1 mRNA expression levels. Lastly, seminomas displayed a number of characteristic copy number variations that were not detectable in primary testicular ITGA6+ cells, either before or after culture. Together, the data show a distinct DNA methylation patterns in cultured primary testicular ITGA6+ cells that does not resemble the pattern found in seminomas, but also highlight the need for more sensitive methods to fully exclude the presence of malignant cells after culture and to further study the epigenetic events that take place during in vitro culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Struijk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert C. J. Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin A. Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Venema
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel M. A. M. Mannens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, and Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M. M. van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vermeulen M, Giudice MG, Del Vento F, Wyns C. Role of stem cells in fertility preservation: current insights. Stem Cells Cloning 2019; 12:27-48. [PMID: 31496751 PMCID: PMC6689135 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s178490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While improvements made in the field of cancer therapy allow high survival rates, gonadotoxicity of chemo- and radiotherapy can lead to infertility in male and female pre- and postpubertal patients. Clinical options to preserve fertility before starting gonadotoxic therapies by cryopreserving sperm or oocytes for future use with assisted reproductive technology (ART) are now applied worldwide. Cryopreservation of pre- and postpubertal ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles, though still considered experimental, has already led to the birth of healthy babies after autotransplantation and is performed in an increasing number of centers. For prepubertal boys who do not produce gametes ready for fertilization, cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) containing spermatogonial stem cells may be proposed as an experimental strategy with the aim of restoring fertility. Based on achievements in nonhuman primates, autotransplantation of ITT or testicular cell suspensions appears promising to restore fertility of young cancer survivors. So far, whether in two- or three-dimensional culture systems, in vitro maturation of immature male and female gonadal cells or tissue has not demonstrated a capacity to produce safe gametes for ART. Recently, primordial germ cells have been generated from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, but further investigations regarding efficiency and safety are needed. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells to improve the vascularization of gonadal tissue grafts, increase the colonization of transplanted cells, and restore the damaged somatic compartment could overcome the current limitations encountered with transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vermeulen
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Maria-Grazia Giudice
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Federico Del Vento
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology-Andrology Research Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sharma S, Schlatt S, Van Pelt A, Neuhaus N. Characterization and population dynamics of germ cells in adult macaque testicular cultures. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218194. [PMID: 31226129 PMCID: PMC6588212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From a biological and clinical perspective, it is imperative to establish primate spermatogonial cultures. Due to limited availability of human testicular tissues, the macaque (Macaca fascicularis) was employed as non-human primate model. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of somatic as well as germ cell markers in testicular tissues and to establish macaque testicular primary cell cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Characterization of macaque testicular cell population was performed by immunohistochemical analyses for somatic cell markers (SOX9, VIM, SMA) as well as for germ cell markers (UTF1, MAGEA4, VASA). Testicular cells from adult macaque testes (n = 4) were isolated and cultured for 21 days using three stem cell culture media (SSC, PS and SM). An extended marker gene panel (SOX9, VIM, ACTA2; UTF1, FGFR3, MAGEA4, BOLL, DDX4) was then employed to assess the changes in gene expression levels and throughout the in vitro culture period. Dynamics of the spermatogonial population was further investigated by quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence-labeled MAGEA4-positive cells (n = 3). RESULTS RNA expression analyses of cell cultures revealed that parallel to decreasing SOX9-expressing Sertoli cells, maintenance of VIM and ACTA2-expressing somatic cells was observed. Expression levels of germ cell marker genes UTF1, FGFR3 and MAGEA4 were maintained until day 14 in SSC and SM media. Findings from MAGEA4 immunofluorescence staining corroborate mRNA expression profiling and substantiate the overall maintenance of MAGEA4-positive pre- and early meiotic germ cells until day 14. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate maintenance of macaque germ cell subpopulations in vitro. This study provides novel perspective and proof that macaques could be used as a research model for establishing in vitro germ cell-somatic cell cultures, to identify ideal culture conditions for long-term maintenance of primate germ cell subpopulation in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Ans Van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Transplantation of own cryostored spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is a promising technique for fertility restoration when the SSC pool has been depleted. In this regard, cryopreservation of pre-pubertal testicular tissue or SSCs suspensions before gonadotoxic therapies is ethically accepted and increasingly proposed. SSC transplantation has also been considered to treat other causes of infertility relying on the possibility of propagating SSCs retrieved in the testes of infertile men before autologous re-transplantation. Although encouraging results were achieved in animals and in preclinical experiments, clinical perspectives are still limited by a number of unresolved technical and safety issues, such as the risk of cancer cell contamination of cells intended for transplantation and the genetic and epigenetic stability of SCCs when cultured before re-transplantation. Moreover, while genome editing techniques raise the hope of modifying the SSCs genome before re-transplantation, their application for reproductive purposes might be a step too far for the moment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kanbar
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca de Michele
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zarandi NP, Galdon G, Kogan S, Atala A, Sadri-Ardekani H. Cryostorage of immature and mature human testis tissue to preserve spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs): a systematic review of current experiences toward clinical applications. Stem Cells Cloning 2018; 11:23-38. [PMID: 30013372 PMCID: PMC6039063 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s137873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While the survival rate of children with cancer is increasing, preserving fertility for prepubertal boys is still a challenge. Although intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using frozen sperms has revolutionized infertility treatment, it is not applicable for the patients who undergo chemotherapy before puberty since spermatogenesis has not begun. Therefore, preserving spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) as an experimental option can be provided to prepubertal patients at a risk of damage or loss of their SSCs due to cancer treatments and developmental or genetic disorders. Using frozen SSCs in testicular tissue, successful SSC autotransplantation in mouse and nonhuman primates has shown a promising future for SSC-based cell therapy. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue containing SSCs is the first step to translate SSC-based cell therapy into clinical male infertility treatment, and in the investigation into SSCs, it is very important to evaluate their quantity and functionality during this process. This systematic review summarizes the published data on cryopreservation techniques in human testis tissue for potential utilization in future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Pourhabibi Zarandi
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA,
| | - Guillermo Galdon
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA,
| | - Stanley Kogan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA, .,Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA,
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA, .,Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA,
| | - Hooman Sadri-Ardekani
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA, .,Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Continuous spermatogenesis in post-pubertal mammals is dependent on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which balance self-renewing divisions that maintain stem cell pool with differentiating divisions that sustain continuous sperm production. Rodent stem and progenitor spermatogonia are described by their clonal arrangement in the seminiferous epithelium (e.g., Asingle, Apaired or Aaligned spermatogonia), molecular markers (e.g., ID4, GFRA1, PLZF, SALL4 and others) and most importantly by their biological potential to produce and maintain spermatogenesis when transplanted into recipient testes. In contrast, stem cells in the testes of higher primates (nonhuman and human) are defined by description of their nuclear morphology and staining with hematoxylin as Adark and Apale spermatogonia. There is limited information about how dark and pale descriptions of nuclear morphology in higher primates correspond with clone size, molecular markers or transplant potential. Do the apparent differences in stem cells and spermatogenic lineage development between rodents and primates represent true biological differences or simply differences in the volume of research and the vocabulary that has developed over the past half century? This review will provide an overview of stem, progenitor and differentiating spermatogonia that support spermatogenesis; identifying parallels between rodents and primates where they exist as well as features unique to higher primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adetunji P Fayomi
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sharma S, Portela JMD, Langenstroth-Röwer D, Wistuba J, Neuhaus N, Schlatt S. Male germline stem cells in non-human primates. Primate Biol 2017; 4:173-184. [PMID: 32110705 PMCID: PMC7041516 DOI: 10.5194/pb-4-173-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, several studies have attempted to decipher the
biology of mammalian germline stem cells (GSCs). These studies provide
evidence that regulatory mechanisms for germ cell specification and migration
are evolutionarily conserved across species. The characteristics and
functions of primate GSCs are highly distinct from rodent species; therefore
the findings from rodent models cannot be extrapolated to primates. Due to
limited availability of human embryonic and testicular samples for research
purposes, two non-human primate models (marmoset and macaque monkeys) are
extensively employed to understand human germline development and
differentiation. This review provides a broader introduction to the in vivo
and in vitro germline stem cell terminology from primordial to
differentiating germ cells. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the most
immature germ cells colonizing the gonad prior to sex differentiation into
testes or ovaries. PGC specification and migratory patterns among different
primate species are compared in the review. It also reports the distinctions
and similarities in expression patterns of pluripotency markers (OCT4A,
NANOG, SALL4 and LIN28) during embryonic developmental stages, among
marmosets, macaques and humans. This review presents a comparative summary
with immunohistochemical and molecular evidence of germ cell marker
expression patterns during postnatal developmental stages, among humans and
non-human primates. Furthermore, it reports findings from the recent
literature investigating the plasticity behavior of germ cells and stem cells
in other organs of humans and monkeys. The use of non-human primate models
would enable bridging the knowledge gap in primate GSC research and
understanding the mechanisms involved in germline development. Reported
similarities in regulatory mechanisms and germ cell expression profile in
primates demonstrate the preclinical significance of monkey models for
development of human fertility preservation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Joana M D Portela
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Daniel Langenstroth-Röwer
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gat I, Maghen L, Filice M, Wyse B, Zohni K, Jarvi K, Lo KC, Gauthier Fisher A, Librach C. Optimal culture conditions are critical for efficient expansion of human testicular somatic and germ cells in vitro. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:595-605.e7. [PMID: 28259258 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To optimize culture conditions for human testicular somatic cells (TSCs) and spermatogonial stem cells. DESIGN Basic science study. SETTING Urology clinic and stem cell research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Eight human testicular samples. INTERVENTIONS(S) Testicular tissues were processed by mechanical and enzymatic digestion. Cell suspensions were subjected to differential plating (DP) after which floating cells (representing germ cells) were removed and attached cells (representing TSCs) were cultured for 2 passages (P0-P1) in StemPro-34- or DMEM-F12-based medium. Germ cell cultures were established in both media for 12 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) TSC cultures: proliferation doubling time (PDT), fluorescence-activated cell sorting for CD90, next-generation sequencing for 89 RNA transcripts, immunocytochemistry for TSC and germ cell markers, and conditioned media analysis; germ cell cultures: number of aggregates. RESULT(S) TSCs had significantly prolonged PDT in DMEM-F12 versus StemPro-34 (319.6 ± 275.8 h and 110.5 ± 68.3 h, respectively). The proportion of CD90-positive cells increased after P1 in StemPro-34 and DMEM-F12 (90.1 ± 10.8% and 76.5 ± 17.4%, respectively) versus after DP (66.3 ± 7%). Samples from both media after P1 clustered closely in the principle components analysis map whereas those after DP did not. After P1 in either medium, CD90-positive cells expressed TSC markers only, and fibroblast growth factor 2 and bone morphogenetic protein 4 were detected in conditioned medium. A higher number of germ cell aggregates formed in DMEM-F12 (59 ± 39 vs. 28 ± 17, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) Use of DMEM-F12 reduces TSC proliferation while preserving their unique characteristics, leading to improved germ cell aggregates formation compared with StemPro-34, the standard basal medium used in the majority of previous reports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itai Gat
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pinchas Borenstein Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler school of medicine, Tel Aviv university, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Leila Maghen
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Brandon Wyse
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Khaled Zohni
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Reproductive Health and Family Planning, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirk C Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Clifford Librach
- Create Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility protection is essential for men undergoing potentially gonadotoxic treatment. It is usually offered to adolescents and men in reproductive age by semen cryopreservation. In case of azoospermia, testicular sperm cryopreservation is an additional option. In prepubertal boys no sperm cryopreservation is possible. A purely experimental option is cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells in immature testis tissue. METHOD Transplantation of either immature testis tissue or testicular stem cells or spermatogonia generated in vitro from stem cells are possible options for fertility preservation in boys. OBJECTIVES In this article, the rationale for cryopreservation of gonadal stem cells and the experimental methods for refertilization are summarized. The current research, national and international clinical and research activities and possible perspectives of further development of fertility preservation are explained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kliesch
- Abteilung für Klinische Andrologie, Centrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, WHO Kooperationszentrum zur Erforschung der männlichen Reproduktion, EAA Ausbildungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Geb. D11, 48149, Münster, Deutschland.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Giudice MG, de Michele F, Poels J, Vermeulen M, Wyns C. Update on fertility restoration from prepubertal spermatogonial stem cells: How far are we from clinical practice? Stem Cell Res 2017; 21:171-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
|
28
|
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) propagate mammalian spermatogenesis throughout male reproductive life by continuously self-renewing and differentiating, ultimately, into sperm. SSCs can be cultured for long periods and restore spermatogenesis upon transplantation back into the native microenvironment in vivo. Conventionally, SSC research has been focused mainly on male infertility and, to a lesser extent, on cell reprogramming. With the advent of genome-wide sequencing technology, however, human studies have uncovered a wide range of pathogenic alleles that arise in the male germ line. A subset of de novo point mutations was shown to originate in SSCs and cause congenital disorders in children. This review describes both monogenic diseases (eg, Apert syndrome) and complex disorders that are either known or suspected to be driven by mutations in SSCs. We propose that SSC culture is a suitable model for studying the origin and mechanisms of these diseases. Lastly, we discuss strategies for future clinical implementation of SSC-based technology, from detecting mutation burden by sperm screening to gene correction in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Yamada
- Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 12295, Surgery, New York, New York, United States ;
| | - Letizia De Chiara
- Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 12295, Surgery, New York, New York, United States ;
| | - Marco Seandel
- Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 12295, Surgery, New York, New York, United States ;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Onofre J, Baert Y, Faes K, Goossens E. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue or testicular cell suspensions: a pivotal step in fertility preservation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:744-761. [PMID: 27566839 PMCID: PMC5099994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell depletion caused by chemical or physical toxicity, disease or genetic predisposition can occur at any age. Although semen cryopreservation is the first reflex for preserving male fertility, this cannot help out prepubertal boys. Yet, these boys do have spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that able to produce sperm at the start of puberty, which allows them to safeguard their fertility through testicular tissue (TT) cryopreservation. SSC transplantation (SSCT), TT grafting and recent advances in in vitro spermatogenesis have opened new possibilities to restore fertility in humans. However, these techniques are still at a research stage and their efficiency depends on the amount of SSCs available for fertility restoration. Therefore, maintaining the number of SSCs is a critical step in human fertility preservation. Standardizing a successful cryopreservation method for TT and testicular cell suspensions (TCSs) is most important before any clinical application of fertility restoration could be successful. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review gives an overview of existing cryopreservation protocols used in different animal models and humans. Cell recovery, cell viability, tissue integrity and functional assays are taken into account. Additionally, biosafety and current perspectives in male fertility preservation are discussed. SEARCH METHODS An extensive PubMED and MEDline database search was conducted. Relevant studies linked to the topic were identified by the search terms: cryopreservation, male fertility preservation, (immature)testicular tissue, testicular cell suspension, spermatogonial stem cell, gonadotoxicity, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. OUTCOMES The feasibility of fertility restoration techniques using frozen-thawed TT and TCS has been proven in animal models. Efficient protocols for cryopreserving human TT exist and are currently applied in the clinic. For TCSs, the highest post-thaw viability reported after vitrification is 55.6 ± 23.8%. Yet, functional proof of fertility restoration in the human is lacking. In addition, few to no data are available on the safety aspects inherent to offspring generation with gametes derived from frozen-thawed TT or TCSs. Moreover, clarification is needed on whether it is better to cryopreserve TT or TCS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Fertility restoration techniques are very promising and expected to be implemented in the clinic in the near future. However, inter-center variability needs to be overcome and the gametes produced for reproduction purposes need to be subjected to safety studies. With the perspective of a future clinical application, there is a dire need to optimize and standardize cryopreservation and safety testing before using frozen-thawed TT of TCSs for fertility restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Onofre
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Y Baert
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Faes
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Picton HM, Wyns C, Anderson RA, Goossens E, Jahnukainen K, Kliesch S, Mitchell RT, Pennings G, Rives N, Tournaye H, van Pelt AMM, Eichenlaub-Ritter U, Schlatt S. A European perspective on testicular tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in prepubertal and adolescent boys. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2463-75. [PMID: 26358785 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What clinical practices, patient management strategies and experimental methods are currently being used to preserve and restore the fertility of prepubertal boys and adolescent males? SUMMARY ANSWER Based on a review of the clinical literature and research evidence for sperm freezing and testicular tissue cryopreservation, and after consideration of the relevant ethical and legal challenges, an algorithm for the cryopreservation of sperm and testicular tissue is proposed for prepubertal boys and adolescent males at high risk of fertility loss. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A known late effect of the chemotherapy agents and radiation exposure regimes used to treat childhood cancers and other non-malignant conditions in males is the damage and/or loss of the proliferating spermatogonial stem cells in the testis. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is the first line treatment for fertility preservation in adolescent males. Where sperm retrieval is impossible, such as in prepubertal boys, or it is unfeasible in adolescents prior to the onset of ablative therapies, alternative experimental treatments such as testicular tissue cryopreservation and the harvesting and banking of isolated spermatogonial stem cells can now be proposed as viable means of preserving fertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Advances in clinical treatments, patient management strategies and the research methods used to preserve sperm and testicular tissue for prepubertal boys and adolescents were reviewed. A snapshot of the up-take of testis cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of young males prior to December 2012 was provided using a questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted. In addition, survey results of testis freezing practices in young patients were collated from 24 European centres and Israeli University Hospitals. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There is increasing evidence of the use of testicular tissue cryopreservation as a means to preserve the fertility of pre- and peri-pubertal boys of up to 16 year-old. The survey results indicate that of the 14 respondents, half of the centres were actively offering testis tissue cryobanking as a means of safeguarding the future fertility of boys and adolescents as more than 260 young patients (age range less than 1 year old to 16 years of age), had already undergone testicular tissue retrieval and storage for fertility preservation. The remaining centres were considering the implementation of a tissue-based fertility preservation programme for boys undergoing oncological treatments. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The data collected were limited by the scope of the questionnaire, the geographical range of the survey area, and the small number of respondents. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The clinical and research questions identified and the ethical and legal issues raised are highly relevant to the multi-disciplinary teams developing treatment strategies to preserve the fertility of prepubertal and adolescent boys who have a high risk of fertility loss due to ablative interventions, trauma or genetic pre-disposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Picton
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Christine Wyns
- Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), 1200 Brussels, Belgium Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Research Group Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Faculty of Philosophy and Moral Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalie Rives
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Research Team EA 4308 'Gametogenesis and gamete quality', IRIB, Rouen University Hospital, University of Rouen, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of the Brussels Free University, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ursula Eichenlaub-Ritter
- Faculty of Biology, Gene Technology/Microbiology, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld 33501, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Münster, Domagkstraße 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Baert Y, Braye A, Struijk RB, van Pelt AMM, Goossens E. Cryopreservation of testicular tissue before long-term testicular cell culture does not alter in vitro cell dynamics. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1244-52.e1-4. [PMID: 26260199 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.07.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether testicular cell dynamics are altered during long-term culture after testicular tissue cryopreservation. DESIGN Experimental basic science study. SETTING Reproductive biology laboratory. PATIENT(S) Testicular tissue with normal spermatogenesis was obtained from six donors. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Detection and comparison of testicular cells from fresh and frozen tissues during long-term culture. RESULT(S) Human testicular cells derived from fresh (n = 3) and cryopreserved (n = 3) tissues were cultured for 2 months and analyzed with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Spermatogonia including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were reliably detected by combining VASA, a germ cell marker, with UCHL1, a marker expressed by spermatogonia. The established markers STAR, ACTA2, and SOX9 were used to analyze the presence of Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, and Sertoli cells, respectively. No obvious differences were found between the cultures initiated from fresh or cryopreserved tissues. Single or small groups of SSCs (VASA(+)/UCHL1(+)) were detected in considerable amounts up to 1 month of culture, but infrequently after 2 months. SSCs were found attached to the feeder monolayer, which expressed markers for Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and peritubular myoid cells. In addition, VASA(-)/UCHL1(+) cells, most likely originating from the interstitium, also contributed to this monolayer. Apart from Sertoli cells, all somatic cell types could be detected throughout the culture period. CONCLUSION(S) Testicular tissue can be cryopreserved before long-term culture without modifying its outcome, which encourages implementation of testicular tissue banking for fertility preservation. However, because of the limited numbers of SSCs available after 2 months, further exploration and optimization of the culture system is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoni Baert
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Aude Braye
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin B Struijk
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Schneider F, Redmann K, Wistuba J, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Neuhaus N. Comparison of enzymatic digestion and mechanical dissociation of human testicular tissues. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:302-11.e3. [PMID: 26056924 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare mechanical dissociation, employing the Medimachine system, and enzymatic digestion of human testicular tissues with respect to the proportion of spermatogonia and somatic cells, with the long-term objective of establishing human spermatogonial cultures. DESIGN Experimental basic science study. SETTING Reproductive biology laboratory. PATIENT(S) Testicular tissues were obtained from patients with gender dysphoria on the day of sex reassignment surgery. On the basis of the histological evaluation, tissue samples with complete spermatogenesis (fresh, n = 6; cryopreserved, n = 7) and with meiotic arrest (cryopreserved, n = 4) were selected. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The composition of testicular cell suspensions was assessed performing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses for germ cell-specific (FGFR3, SALL4, UTF1, MAGE-A4) and somatic marker genes (ACTA2 and VIM). Additionally, flow-cytometric analyses were used to evaluate the percentage of SALL4-and vimentin-positive cells. RESULT(S) While Medimachine dissociation yielded higher cell numbers in all patient groups, viability of cells was highly variable and correlated with the histological status of the tissue. Interestingly, qPCR analysis revealed a significantly decreased expression of the somatic marker genes ACTA2 and VIM and an increased expression of the spermatogonial marker genes FGFR3 and SALL4 after Medimachine dissociation. These findings were corroborated by flow-cytometric analyses that demonstrated that the proportion of SALL4-positive cells was up to 4 times higher after mechanical dissociation. CONCLUSION(S) Medimachine dissociation of human testicular tissues is comparably fast and leads to an enrichment of SALL4-positive spermatogonia. The use of this method may therefore constitute an advantage for the establishment of human spermatogonial cell cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Schneider
- Institute for Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany; Department of Clinical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Redmann
- Institute for Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Institute for Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Institute for Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Department of Clinical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Neuhaus
- Institute for Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus, Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Treatment for high-risk or relapsed haematological malignancy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is known to cause infertility. Today, there are no established options for fertility preservation in pre-pubertal boys. This review aims to describe how therapy for haematological malignancy in childhood affects male fertility, and to summarize recent developments for fertility preservation in these patients. RECENT FINDINGS Eventual recovery of spermatogenesis is probable after chemotherapy-based conditioning for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, conditioning with total body irradiation is associated with a very high risk of permanent infertility. For high-risk patients, auto-transplantation of cryopreserved testicular tissue or cells might represent an approach for fertility preservation; however, contamination of testis tissue with malignant cells may prevent their subsequent reintroduction into patients. Recent progress using in-vitro differentiation of germ cells combined with assisted reproductive techniques may, in the future, represent a suitable alternative to retransplantation. SUMMARY Particular care must be taken when assessing infertility risk in patients with haematological malignancy as reclassification to high risk may significantly increase the likelihood of treatment-related gonadotoxicity. Importantly, development of fertility preservation strategies in such high-risk patients must also take into account specific risks for haematological cancers including cancer cell contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Jahnukainen
- aPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden bDivision of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland cMRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh dThe Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK *Kirsi Jahnukainen, Rod T. Mitchell, and Jan-Bernd Stukenborg contributed equally to the writing of this aticle
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Aponte PM. Spermatogonial stem cells: Current biotechnological advances in reproduction and regenerative medicine. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:669-680. [PMID: 26029339 PMCID: PMC4444608 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i4.669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the germ stem cells of the seminiferous epithelium in the testis. Through the process of spermatogenesis, they produce sperm while concomitantly keeping their cellular pool constant through self-renewal. SSC biology offers important applications for animal reproduction and overcoming human disease through regenerative therapies. To this end, several techniques involving SSCs have been developed and will be covered in this article. SSCs convey genetic information to the next generation, a property that can be exploited for gene targeting. Additionally, SSCs can be induced to become embryonic stem cell-like pluripotent cells in vitro. Updates on SSC transplantation techniques with related applications, such as fertility restoration and preservation of endangered species, are also covered on this article. SSC suspensions can be transplanted to the testis of an animal and this has given the basis for SSC functional assays. This procedure has proven technically demanding in large animals and men. In parallel, testis tissue xenografting, another transplantation technique, was developed and resulted in sperm production in testis explants grafted into ectopical locations in foreign species. Since SSC culture holds a pivotal role in SSC biotechnologies, current advances are overviewed. Finally, spermatogenesis in vitro, already demonstrated in mice, offers great promises to cope with reproductive issues in the farm animal industry and human clinical applications.
Collapse
|
36
|
Nickkholgh B, Mizrak SC, van Daalen SKM, Korver CM, Sadri-Ardekani H, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Genetic and epigenetic stability of human spermatogonial stem cells during long-term culture. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1700-7.e1. [PMID: 25256932 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the genetic and epigenetic stability of human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) during long-term culture. DESIGN Experimental basic science study. SETTING Reproductive biology laboratory. PATIENT(S) Cryopreserved human testicular tissue from two prostate cancer patients with normal spermatogenesis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Testicular cells before and 50 days after culturing were subjected to ITGA6 magnetic-activated cell sorting to enrich for SSCs. Individual spermatogonia were analyzed for aneuploidies with the use of single-cell 24-chromosome screening. Furthermore, the DNA methylation statuses of the paternally imprinted genes H19, H19-DMR (differentially methylated region), and MEG3 and the maternally imprinted genes KCNQ1OT1 and PEG3 were identified by means of bisulfite sequencing. RESULTS(S) Aneuploidy screening showed euploidy with no chromosomal abnormalities in all cultured and most noncultured spermatogonia from both patients. The methylation assays demonstrated demethylation of the paternally imprinted genes H19, H19-DMR, and MEG3 of 11%-28%, 43%-68%, and 18%-26%, respectively, and increased methylation of the maternally imprinted genes PEG 3 and KCNQ1OT of 13%-50% and 30%-38%, respectively, during culture. CONCLUSION(S) In the current culture system for human SSCs propagation, genomic stability is preserved, which is important for future clinical use. Whether the observed changes in methylation status have consequences on functionality of SSCs or health of offspring derived from transplanted SSCs requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bita Nickkholgh
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Canan Mizrak
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia K M van Daalen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cindy M Korver
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hooman Sadri-Ardekani
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|