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Mecca R, Tang S, Jones C, Coward K. The limitations of testicular organoids: are they truly as promising as we believe? Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23216. [PMID: 38935835 DOI: 10.1071/rd23216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoid systems have revolutionised various facets of biological research by offering a three-dimensional (3D), physiologically relevant in vitro model to study complex organ systems. Over recent years, testicular organoids have been publicised as promising platforms for reproductive studies, disease modelling, drug screening, and fertility preservation. However, the full potential of these systems has yet to be realised due to inherent limitations. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges associated with testicular organoid models. Firstly, we address the inability of current organoid systems to fully replicate the intricate spatial organisation and cellular diversity of the in vivo testis. Secondly, we scrutinise the fidelity of germ cell maturation within the organoids, highlighting incomplete spermatogenesis and epigenetic inconsistencies. Thirdly, we consider the technical challenges faced during organoid culture, including nutrient diffusion limits, lack of vasculature, and the need for specialised growth factors. Finally, we discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of organoids for human reproduction research. Addressing these limitations in combination with integrating complementary approaches, will be essential if we are to advance our understanding of testicular biology and develop novel strategies for addressing reproductive health issues in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mecca
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - S Tang
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - C Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - K Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Tang S, Jones C, Mecca R, Davies J, Lane S, Coward K. An in vitrothree-dimensional (3D) testicular organoid culture system for efficient gonocyte maintenance and propagation using frozen/thawed neonatal bovine testicular tissues. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:025040. [PMID: 38324899 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad2709] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Fertility preservation in prepubertal boys with cancer requires the cryopreservation of immature testicular tissues (ITTs) prior to gonadotoxic treatment. However, the limited number of germ cells in small human ITT biopsies necessitates the development of anin vitroculture system for germ cell expansion using frozen-thawed ITTs. Here, we generated testicular organoids for thein vitromaintenance and expansion of gonocytes from frozen-thawed two-week-old neonatal bovine ITTs. We investigated the effects of different cell-seeding densities, culture serums, seeding methods, and gonadotropin supplementations, on the maintenance and proliferation of enriched gonocytes. Our results demonstrated that enriched gonocytes and testicular cells from frozen-thawed neonatal ITTs could self-assemble into spheroid organoids in three days in an appropriate Matrigel-based culture environment. For the optimal formation of prepubertal testicular organoids, a seeding density of 1 × 106cells/well is recommended over other densities. This strategy results in organoids with a mean diameter of 60.53 ± 12.12 μm; the mean number of organoids was 5.57 ± 1.60/105μm2on day 11. The viability of organoids was maintained at 79.75 ± 2.99% after being frozen and thawed. Supplementing the culture medium with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, and leukemia inhibitory factor, increased the proportion of KI67-positive proliferating cells in organoids, elevated the expression ofC-KITbut reduced the expression ofGFRα1at day 28 when compared to those without hormone supplements(p< 0.05). In addition, supplementing the culture medium with follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone helped to maintain a significantly higher viability (p< 0.05) in ITT organoids at day 28. These organoids could be cryopreserved for storage and thawed as needed. The successful generation of ITT organoids provides a valuable tool for establishingin vitrospermatogenesis, propagating human germ cells, investigating testicular physiology and the origin of germ cell tumors, and testing the toxicity of new drugs in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Tang
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
- Present address: Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
| | - Rajwa Mecca
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
| | - Jill Davies
- Oxford Cell and Tissue Biobank, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Lane
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Children's Hospital Oxford, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 0AG, United Kingdom
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Cortez J, Torres CG, Parraguez VH, De Los Reyes M, Peralta OA. Bovine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells self-assemble with testicular cells and integrates and modifies the structure of a testicular organoids. Theriogenology 2024; 215:259-271. [PMID: 38103403 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.013] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) display self-renewal and mesodermal differentiation potentials. These characteristics make them potentially useful for in vitro derivation of gametes, which may constitute experimental therapies for human and animal reproduction. Organoids provide a spatial support and may simulate a cellular niche for in vitro studies. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the potential integration of fetal bovine MSCs derived from adipose tissue (AT-MSCs) in testicular organoids (TOs), their spatial distribution with testicular cells during TO formation and their potential for germ cell differentiation. TOs were developed using Leydig, Sertoli, and peritubular myoid cells that were previously isolated from bovine testes (n = 6). Thereafter, TOs were characterized using immunofluorescence and Q-PCR to detect testicular cell-specific markers. AT-MSCs were labeled with PKH26 and then cultured with testicular cells at a concentration of 1 × 106 cells per well in Ultra Low Attachment U-shape bottom (ULA) plates. TOs formed by testicular cells and AT-MSCs (TOs + AT-MSCs) maintained a rounded structure throughout the 28-day culture period and did not show significant differences in their diameters. Conversely, control TOs exhibited a compact structure until day 7 of culture, while on day 28 they displayed cellular extensions around their structure. Control TOs had greater (P < 0.05) diameters compared to TOs + AT-MSCs. AT-MSCs induced an increase in proportion of Leydig and peritubular myoid cells in TOs + AT-MSCs; however, did not induce changes in the overall gene expression of testicular cell-specific markers. STAR immunolabelling detected Leydig cells that migrated from the central area to the periphery and formed brunches in control TOs. However, in TOs + AT-MSCs, Leydig cells formed a compact peripheral layer. Sertoli cells immunodetected using WT1 marker were observed within the central area forming clusters of cells in TOs + AT-MSCs. The expression of COL1A associated to peritubular myoids cells was restricted to the central region in TOs + AT-MSCs. Thus, during a 28-day culture period, fetal bovine AT-MSCs integrated and modified the structure of the TOs, by restricting formation of branches, limiting the overall increase in diameters and increasing the proportions of Leydig and peritubular myoid cells. AT-MSCs also induced a reorganization of testicular cells, changing their distribution and particularly the location of Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahaira Cortez
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808 Chile; Doctorate Program of Forestry, Agriculture, and Veterinary Sciences (DCSAV), University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, Santiago 8820808 Chile
| | - Cristian G Torres
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808 Chile
| | - Víctor H Parraguez
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808 Chile
| | - Mónica De Los Reyes
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808 Chile
| | - Oscar A Peralta
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, Santiago 8820808 Chile.
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Bashiri Z, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Khadivi F, Salem M, Afzali A, Cham TC, Koruji M. In vitro spermatogenesis in artificial testis: current knowledge and clinical implications for male infertility. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 394:393-421. [PMID: 37721632 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Men's reproductive health exclusively depends on the appropriate maturation of certain germ cells known as sperm. Certain illnesses, such as Klinefelter syndrome, cryptorchidism, and syndrome of androgen insensitivity or absence of testis maturation in men, resulting in the loss of germ cells and the removal of essential genes on the Y chromosome, can cause non-obstructive azoospermia. According to laboratory research, preserving, proliferating, differentiating, and transplanting spermatogonial stem cells or testicular tissue could be future methods for preserving the fertility of children with cancer and men with azoospermia. Therefore, new advances in stem cell research may lead to promising therapies for treating male infertility. The rate of progression and breakthrough in the area of in vitro spermatogenesis is lower than that of SSC transplantation, but newer methods are also being developed. In this regard, tissue and cell culture, supplements, and 3D scaffolds have opened new horizons in the differentiation of stem cells in vitro, which could improve the outcomes of male infertility. Various 3D methods have been developed to produce cellular aggregates and mimic the organization and function of the testis. The production of an artificial reproductive organ that supports SSCs differentiation will certainly be a main step in male infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bashiri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Maryam Salem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Afzali
- Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
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Horvath-Pereira BDO, Almeida GHDR, da Silva Júnior LN, do Nascimento PG, Horvath Pereira BDO, Fireman JVBT, Pereira MLDRF, Carreira ACO, Miglino MA. Biomaterials for Testicular Bioengineering: How far have we come and where do we have to go? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1085872. [PMID: 37008920 PMCID: PMC10060902 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1085872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapeutic interventions aim to restore male fertile potential or preserve sperm viability in severe cases, such as semen cryopreservation, testicular tissue, germ cell transplantation and testicular graft. However, these techniques demonstrate several methodological, clinical, and biological limitations, that impact in their results. In this scenario, reproductive medicine has sought biotechnological alternatives applied for infertility treatment, or to improve gamete preservation and thus increase reproductive rates in vitro and in vivo. One of the main approaches employed is the biomimetic testicular tissue reconstruction, which uses tissue-engineering principles and methodologies. This strategy pursues to mimic the testicular microenvironment, simulating physiological conditions. Such approach allows male gametes maintenance in culture or produce viable grafts that can be transplanted and restore reproductive functions. In this context, the application of several biomaterials have been proposed to be used in artificial biological systems. From synthetic polymers to decellularized matrixes, each biomaterial has advantages and disadvantages regarding its application in cell culture and tissue reconstruction. Therefore, the present review aims to list the progress that has been made and the continued challenges facing testicular regenerative medicine and the preservation of male reproductive capacity, based on the development of tissue bioengineering approaches for testicular tissue microenvironment reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pedro Gabriel do Nascimento
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centre for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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