Studies from S. Conrad et al in the area of stem cell research described
December 29th, 2008
2008 DEC 29 -- "Human primordial germ cells and mouse neonatal and adult germline stem cells are pluripotent and show similar properties to embryonic stem cells. Here we report the successful establishment of human adult germline stem cells derived from spermatogonial cells of adult human testis," investigators in Tubingen, Germany report.
"Cellular and molecular characterization of these cells revealed many similarities to human embryonic stem cells, and the germline stem cells produced teratomas after transplantation into immunodeficient mice. The human adult germline stem cells differentiated into various types of somatic cells of all three germ layers when grown under conditions used to induce the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells," wrote S. Conrad and colleagues.
The researchers concluded: "We conclude that the generation of human adult germline stem cells from testicular biopsies may provide simple and non- controversial access to individual cell- based therapy without the ethical and immunological problems associated with human embryonic stem cells."
Conrad and colleagues published their study in Nature (Generation of pluripotent stem cells from adult human testis. Nature, 2008;456(7220):344-U25).
For additional information, contact T. Skutella, Institute Anatomy, Dept. of Experimental Embryology, Osterbergstr 3, D-72074 Tubingen, Germany.
The publisher of the journal Nature can be contacted at: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.
