Organoid fertility preservation system to differentiate testicular stem cells into mature sperm

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.

Unmet Need: Fertility preservation method for prepubertal boys undergoing gonadotoxic therapies

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.

The Technology: 3D testicular organoid system for preserving fertility

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.

Applications:

• Therapeutic option for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys
• Treatment for male infertility
• Treatment for nonobstructive azoospermia
• Research model for studying gonadotoxicity-induced infertility
• Research model for studying spermatogenesis

Advantages:

• Reliable ex vivo method for generating mature sperm from spermatogonial stem cells
• Safe infertility treatment
• Compatible with both prepubertal and adult males

Lead Inventor:

Sandra Ryeom, Ph.D

Related Publications:

• Kim YH, Oh MG, Bhang DH, Kim BJ, Jung SE, Kim SM, Dohr G, Kim SU, Ryeom S, Ryu BY. “Testicular endothelial cells promote self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells in rats.” Biol Reprod. 2019 Aug 1;101(2): 360-367.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23262

• Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik