生精细胞和生精细胞移植

Germ cell and germ cell transplantation

精子发生是一个高度有序的细胞分化过程。由于精子发生的高度复杂性和对体内微环境的依赖性,故迄今为止尚无满意的培养系统能够在体外完成精子发生过程。探索研究精子发生的新方法是摆在我们面前亟待解决的课题,在此方面,生精细胞移植技术被寄予厚望。因此,这里对该技术的历史、原理及应用前景进行综述。

Spermatogenesis is a continuous, highly organized process comprising sequential steps of cell proliferation and differentiation resulting in the production of virtually unlimited numbers of spermatozoa throughout the life of the male. Due to the complexity and the microenvironment-dependence of spermatogenesis, there is no satisfying culture system to mimic the process of spermatogenesis in vitro so far. Transplantation of germ cells leads to restoration of spermatogenesis from spermatogonial stem cells. Combining germ cell transplantation with culture and cryopreservation of spermatogonia opens new pathways for genetic engineering and conservation of livestock. This review summaries the history of germ cell transplantation and presents an outlook on future research on spermatogonial stem cells.