This technology is a method to differentiate spermatogonial stem cells into functional human haploid spermatid that can be used for preserving fertility in prepubertal boys undergoing gonadotoxic therapies and for infertility treatment in adult males with nonobstructive azoospermia.
Prepubertal boys undergoing gonadotoxic therapies currently have limited fertility preservation options. Recently autologous spermatogonia stem cell transplantation has gained traction as an option, due to successes in animal models, but this method poses a significant risk of reintroduction of malignant cells back into patients. Other studies have attempted spermatogenesis using human adult testicular tissue, but require mature sperm to be present in biopsy tissue prior to culturing. As such, there exists a need for a method that can safely and reliably induce spermatogenesis in prepubertal boys.
This method is a 3D testicular organoid system that allows for the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells obtained from testicular biopsies into functional haploid spermatid for subsequent fertilization. As such, this technology has potential to serve as a safe fertility preservation option for prepubertal boys undergoing cancer treatment, or other individuals struggling with infertility.
This technology has been validated by fertilizing mouse eggs via Round Spermatid Injection.
IR CU23262
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik