Isolation and characterization of pluripotent human spermatogonial stem cell-derived cells

Nina Kossack, Juanito Meneses, Shai Shefi, Nam Nguyen Ha, Shawn Chavez, Cory Nicholas, Joerg Gromoll, Paul J. Turek, Renee A. Reijo-Pera

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

234 Scopus citations

Abstract

Several reports have documented the derivation of pluripotent cells (multipotent germline stem cells) from spermatogonial stem cells obtained from the adult mouse testis. These spermatogonia-derived stem cells express embryonic stem cell markers and differentiate to the three primary germ layers, as well as the germline. Data indicate that derivation may involve reprogramming of endogenous spermatogonia in culture. Here, we report the derivation of human multipotent germline stem cells (hMGSCs) from a testis biopsy. The cells express distinct markers of pluripotency, form embryoid bodies that contain derivatives of all three germ layers, maintain a normal XY karyotype, are hypomethylated at the H19 locus, and express high levels of telomerase. Teratoma assays indicate the presence of human cells 8 weeks post-transplantation but limited teratoma formation. Thus, these data suggest the potential to derive pluripotent cells from human testis biopsies but indicate a need for novel strategies to optimize hMGSC culture conditions and reprogramming.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)138-149
Number of pages12
JournalStem Cells
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adult stem cells
  • Germline stem cells
  • Human embryonic stem cells
  • Spermatogonia
  • Testis biopsy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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