Open AccessIsolation and Characterization of Pluripotent Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell‐Derived Cells
Author(s) -
Kossack Nina,
Meneses Juanito,
Shefi Shai,
Nguyen Ha Nam,
Chavez Shawn,
Nicholas Cory,
Gromoll Joerg,
Turek Paul J.,
ReijoPera Renee A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0439
Subject(s) - biology , embryoid body , reprogramming , induced pluripotent stem cell , embryonic stem cell , stem cell , germline , multipotent stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , kosr , germ layer , teratoma , adult stem cell , germ cell , genetics , cell , pathology , progenitor cell , gene , medicine
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. S TEM C ELLS 2009;27:138–149