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Tan J, Li J, Zhang Y, Li X, Han S, Li Z, Zhou X. Application of photocrosslinked gelatin, alginate and dextran hydrogels in the in vitro culture of testicular tissue. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129498. [PMID: 38232872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Testicular tissue culture in vitro is considered an important tool for the study of spermatogenesis and the treatment of male infertility. Although agarose hydrogel is commonly used in testicular tissue culture, the efficiency of spermatogenesis in vitro is limited. In this study, testicular tissues from adult mice were cultured using a gas-liquid interphase method based on agarose (Agarose), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), alginate methacryloyl (AlgMA), dextran methacryloyl (DexMA), and mixture GelMA-Agarose, AlgMA-Agarose, and DexMA-Agarose hydrogels, respectively, for 32 days in vitro. The integrity of the seminiferous tubules, the density and proportions of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, and testosterone concentrations were quantified and compared between groups. Properties of different hydrogels including compression modulus, Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FITR) spectra, pore size, water absorption, and water retention were tested to investigate how biochemical and physical properties of hydrogels affect the results of testicular tissue culture. The results indicate that testicular tissues cultured on AlgMA exhibited the highest seminiferous tubule integrity rate (0.835 ± 0.021), the presence of a high density of spermatocytes (2107.627 ± 232.082/mm2), and a high proportion of SOX9-positive well-preserved seminiferous tubules (0.473 ± 0.047) compared to all remaining experimental groups on day 32. This may be due to the high water content of AlgMA reducing the toxic effect of oxygen on testicular tissue. In the later period of culture, testicular tissues cultured on DexMA, not DexMA-Agarose, produced significantly more testosterone (18.093 ± 3.302 ng/mL) than the other groups, suggesting that DexMA is friendly to Leydig cells. Our study provides a new idea for the optimization of the gas-liquid interphase method for achieving in vitro spermatogenesis, facilitating the future achievement of efficient in vitro spermatogenesis in more species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Tan
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Sha Han
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, the Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China.
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Salem M, Khadivi F, Javanbakht P, Mojaverrostami S, Abbasi M, Feizollahi N, Abbasi Y, Heidarian E, Rezaei Yazdi F. Advances of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for in vitro spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:262. [PMID: 37735437 PMCID: PMC10512562 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of germ cells and spermatogenic failure in non-obstructive azoospermia are believed to be the main causes of male infertility. Laboratory studies have used in vitro testicular models and different 3-dimensional (3D) culture systems for preservation, proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in recent decades. The establishment of testis-like structures would facilitate the study of drug and toxicity screening, pathological mechanisms and in vitro differentiation of SSCs which resulted in possible treatment of male infertility. The different culture systems using cellular aggregation with self-assembling capability, the use of different natural and synthetic biomaterials and various methods for scaffold fabrication provided a suitable 3D niche for testicular cells development. Recently, 3D culture models have noticeably used in research for their architectural and functional similarities to native microenvironment. In this review article, we briefly investigated the recent 3D culture systems that provided a suitable platform for male fertility preservation through organ culture of testis fragments, proliferation and differentiation of SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Parinaz Javanbakht
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mojaverrostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abbasi
- School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Heidarian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzane Rezaei Yazdi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Önen S, Atik AC, Gizer M, Köse S, Yaman Ö, Külah H, Korkusuz P. A pumpless monolayer microfluidic device based on mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium promotes neonatal mouse in vitro spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:127. [PMID: 37170113 PMCID: PMC10173473 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer treatment-induced gonadotoxicity causes permanent infertility/sub-infertility in nearly half of males. The current clinical and experimental approaches are limited to cryopreservation of prepubertal testicular strips and in vitro spermatogenesis which are inadequate to achieve the expanded spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells and spermatogenesis in vitro. Recently, we reported the supportive effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cell co-culture which is inadequate after 14 days of culture in static conditions in prepubertal mouse testis due to lack of microvascular flow and diffusion. Therefore, we generated a novel, pumpless, single polydimethylsiloxane-layered testis-on-chip platform providing a continuous and stabilized microfluidic flow and real-time cellular paracrine contribution of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this new setup in terms of self-renewal of stem/progenitor cells, spermatogenesis and structural and functional maturation of seminiferous tubules in vitro by measuring the number of undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and tubular growth by histochemical, immunohistochemical, flow cytometric and chromatographic techniques. RESULTS Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-based testis-on-chip platform supported the maintenance of SALL4(+) and PLZF(+) spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells, for 42 days. The new setup improved in vitro spermatogenesis in terms of c-Kit(+) differentiating spermatogonia, VASA(+) total germ cells, the meiotic cells including spermatocytes and spermatids and testicular maturation by increasing testosterone concentration and improved tubular growth for 42 days in comparison with hanging drop and non-mesenchymal stem cell control. CONCLUSIONS Future fertility preservation for male pediatric cancer survivors depends on the protection/expansion of spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell pool and induction of in vitro spermatogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that a novel bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-based microfluidic testis-on-chip device supporting the maintenance of stem cells and spermatogenesis in prepubertal mice in vitro. This new, cell therapy-based microfluidic platform may contribute to a safe, precision-based cell and tissue banking protocols for prepubertal fertility restoration in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Önen
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology, Atilim University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Can Atik
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
- METU MEMS Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Gizer
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevil Köse
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Önder Yaman
- Department of Urology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haluk Külah
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
- METU MEMS Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petek Korkusuz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
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Jabari A, Gholami K, Khadivi F, Koruji M, Amidi F, Gilani MAS, Mahabadi VP, Nikmahzar A, Salem M, Movassagh SA, Feizollahi N, Abbasi M. In vitro complete differentiation of human spermatogonial stem cells to morphologic spermatozoa using a hybrid hydrogel of agarose and laminin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 235:123801. [PMID: 36842740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis refers to the differentiation of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) located in the base seminiferous tubules into haploid spermatozoa. Prerequisites for in vitro spermatogenesis include an extracellular matrix (ECM), paracrine factors, and testicular somatic cells which play a supporting role for SSCs. Thus, the present study evaluated the potential of co-culturing Sertoli cells and SSCs embedded in a hybrid hydrogel of agarose and laminin, the main components of the ECM. Following the three-week conventional culture of human testicular cells, the cells were cultured in agarose hydrogel or agarose/laminin one (hybrid) for 74 days. Then, immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR, electron microscopy, and morphological staining methods were applied to analyze the presence of SSCs, as well as the other cells of the different stages of spermatogenesis. Based on the results, the colonies with positive spermatogenesis markers were observed in both culture systems. The existence of the cells of all three phases of spermatogenesis (spermatogonia, meiosis, and spermiogenesis) was confirmed in the two groups, while morphological spermatozoa were detected only in the hybrid hydrogel group. Finally, a biologically improved 3D matrix can support all the physiological activities of SSCs such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayob Jabari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molud Infertility Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Science in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Keykavos Gholami
- Urology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Aghbibi Nikmahzar
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Narjes Feizollahi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Human in vitro spermatogenesis as a regenerative therapy - where do we stand? Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4. [PMID: 36750655 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00723-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves precise temporal and spatial gene expression and cell signalling to reach a coordinated balance between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells through various germ cell states including mitosis, and meiosis I and II, which result in the generation of haploid cells with a unique genetic identity. Subsequently, these round spermatids undergo a series of morphological changes to shed excess cytoplast, develop a midpiece and tail, and undergo DNA repackaging to eventually form millions of spermatozoa. The goal of recreating this process in vitro has been pursued since the 1920s as a tool to treat male factor infertility in patients with azoospermia. Continued advances in reproductive bioengineering led to successful generation of mature, functional sperm in mice and, in the past 3 years, in humans. Multiple approaches to study human in vitro spermatogenesis have been proposed, but technical and ethical obstacles have limited the ability to complete spermiogenesis, and further work is needed to establish a robust culture system for clinical application.
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Mesenchymal stem cells promote spermatogonial stem/progenitor cell pool and spermatogenesis in neonatal mice in vitro. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11494. [PMID: 35798781 PMCID: PMC9263145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Prepubertal cancer treatment leads to irreversible infertility in half of the male patients. Current in vitro spermatogenesis protocols and cryopreservation techniques are inadequate to expand spermatogonial stem/progenitor cells (SSPC) from testicles. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) bearing a close resemblance to Sertoli cells, improved spermatogenesis in animal models. We asked if a co-culture setup supported by syngeneic BM-MSC that contributes to the air–liquid interphase (ALI) could lead to survival, expansion and differentiation of SSPCs in vitro. We generated an ALI platform able to provide a real-time cellular paracrine contribution consisting of syngeneic BM-MSCs to neonatal C57BL/6 mice testes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this culture system on SSPC pool expansion and spermatogenesis throughout a complete spermatogenic cycle by measuring the number of total germ cells (GC), the undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia, the spermatocytes and the spermatids. Furthermore, we evaluated the testicular cell cycle phases, the tubular and luminal areas using histochemical, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric techniques. Cultures in present of BM-MSCs displayed survival of ID4(+) spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), expansion of SALL4(+) and OCT4(+) SSPCs, VASA(+) total GCs and Ki67(+) proliferative cells at 42 days and an increased number of SCP3(+) spermatocytes and Acrosin(+) spermatids at 28 days. BM-MSCs increased the percentage of mitotic cells within the G2-M phase of the total testicular cell cycle increased for 7 days, preserved the cell viability for 42 days and induced testicular maturation by enlargement of the tubular and luminal area for 42 days in comparison to the control. The percentage of PLZF(+) SSPCs increased within the first 28 days of culture, after which the pool started to get smaller while the number of spermatocytes and spermatids increased simultaneously. Our findings established the efficacy of syngeneic BM-MSCs on the survival and expansion of the SSPC pool and differentiation of spermatogonia to round spermatids during in vitro culture of prepubertal mice testes for 42 days. This method may be helpful in providing alternative cures for male fertility by supporting in vitro differentiated spermatids that can be used for round spermatid injection (ROSI) to female oocyte in animal models. These findings can be further exploited for personalized cellular therapy strategies to cure male infertility of prepubertal cancer survivors in clinics.
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Cham TC, Ibtisham F, Fayaz MA, Honaramooz A. Generation of a Highly Biomimetic Organoid, Including Vasculature, Resembling the Native Immature Testis Tissue. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071696. [PMID: 34359871 PMCID: PMC8305979 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The creation of a testis organoid (artificial testis tissue) with sufficient resemblance to the complex form and function of the innate testis remains challenging, especially using non-rodent donor cells. Here, we report the generation of an organoid culture system with striking biomimicry of the native immature testis tissue, including vasculature. Using piglet testis cells as starting material, we optimized conditions for the formation of cell spheroids, followed by long-term culture in an air–liquid interface system. Both fresh and frozen-thawed cells were fully capable of self-reassembly into stable testis organoids consisting of tubular and interstitial compartments, with all major cell types and structural details expected in normal testis tissue. Surprisingly, our organoids also developed vascular structures; a phenomenon that has not been reported in any other culture system. In addition, germ cells do not decline over time, and Leydig cells release testosterone, hence providing a robust, tunable system for diverse basic and applied applications.
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Matsumura T, Sato T, Abe T, Sanjo H, Katagiri K, Kimura H, Fujii T, Tanaka H, Hirabayashi M, Ogawa T. Rat in vitro spermatogenesis promoted by chemical supplementations and oxygen-tension control. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3458. [PMID: 33568686 PMCID: PMC7875995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82792-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) using air-liquid interphase organ culture method is possible with mouse testis tissues. The same method, however, has been hardly applicable to animals other than mice, only producing no or limited progression of spermatogenesis. In the present study, we challenged IVS of rats with modifications of culture medium, by supplementing chemical substances, including hormones, antioxidants, and lysophospholipids. In addition, reducing oxygen tension by placing tissues in an incubator of lower oxygen concentration and/or applying silicone cover ceiling on top of the tissue were effective for improving the spermatogenic efficiency. Through these modifications of the culture condition, rat spermatogenesis up to round spermatids was maintained over 70 days in the cultured tissue. Present results demonstrated a significant progress in rat IVS, revealing conditions commonly favorable for mice and rats as well as finding rat-specific optimizations. This is an important step towards successful IVS in many animal species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Matsumura
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takeru Abe
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sanjo
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kumiko Katagiri
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kimura
- grid.265061.60000 0001 1516 6626Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Teruo Fujii
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInstitute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Tanaka
- grid.411871.a0000 0004 0647 5488Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Sasebo, Nagasaki Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- grid.467811.d0000 0001 2272 1771Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan ,grid.268441.d0000 0001 1033 6139Department of Urology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan
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