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In Vitro Gamete Derivation from Pluripotent Stem Cells: Progress and Perspective¹

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1A1

ABSTRACT

Germ cells constitute a highly specialized cell population that is indispensable for the continuation and evolution of the species. Recently, several research groups have shown that these unique cells can be produced in vitro from pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, live births of offspring using induced germ cells have been reported in one study. These results suggest that it may be possible to investigate germ cell development ex vivo and to establish novel reproductive technologies. To this end, it is critical to assess if gamete induction processes in vitro faithfully recapitulate normal germ cell development in vivo. Here, this issue is discussed with a focus on the germ line specification and the sex-specific development of pre- and postnatal germ cells. The aim of this paper is to concisely summarize the past progress and to present some future issues for the investigation into in vitro gamete production from pluripotent stem cells.

assisted reproductive technology, developmental biology, gametogenesis

¹Supported by CIHR (MOP-49444) and FRSQ (Burse de career).

Correspondence: ²Makoto Nagano, Royal Victoria Hospital, Room F3.07, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada. FAX: 514 843 1662; e-mail: makoto.nagano{at}muhc.mcgill.ca

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