Development of Gametes from Embryonic Stem Cells

Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 19 Oct 2005 - 6:00 PDT

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Researchers at Cornell reported the ability to generate new pluripotent stem cell lines from embryos which began not as a union of sperm and egg, but rather of an egg and an embryonic stem cell. The investigators found that the stem cells placed in the ooplasm of the egg underwent haploidization (lost half of their chromosomes) and acted as the male germ cell. The embryos that developed from that process were then used to develop a 2nd generation stem cell line.

A team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania also used mouse embryonic stem cells, this time to explore their ability to differentiate into egg-like cells. The investigators used a set of specially colored proteins to help them assess if the cell had taken on egg-like qualities. Based upon the expression of several key genes found in oocytes, the team concluded that mouse embryonic stem cells were capable of being cultured in a laboratory to develop into gametes.

"This is the kind of exciting work that shows the huge potential of embryonic stem cells. We look forward to the next advances from these outstanding scientists," said Robert Schenken, MD, President of the ASRM.

O-68 Takeuchi et al Oocytes fertilized with embryonic stem cells as make gametes can regernate new pluripotent cell lines

O-67 Silva et al Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into oocyte-like cells in vitro.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, founded in 1944, is an organization of close to 9,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians, and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology. Affiliated societies include the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, The Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and the Society of Reproductive Surgeons.

The CFAS includes more than 400 obstetricians and gynaecologists, urologists, reproductive endocrinologists, research scientists, and other health care professionals from every province as well as several members from other countries. The Mission of the society is to promote the study of, education about and research on fertility, sterility and andrology, respond to social needs in regard to the complexities of human reproduction, provide expertise in the accreditation of clinical and laboratory therapeutics in new reproductive technologies, and establish valid processes for the measurement of outcomes of therapy.

Highlights From The Conjoint Meeting Of The American Society For Reproductive Medicine And The Canadian Fertility And Andrology Society

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