1382-Primate Spermatogonia Generation from Stem Cells

This research presents a novel xenogeneic reconstituted testis (xrTestis) system designed to differentiate human and rhesus macaque induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into advanced male germ cells. By integrating stem-cell-derived primordial germ cells with mouse testicular somatic cells and transplanting them into immunodeficient mice, the authors successfully generated spermatogonia and early preleptotene spermatocytes. These induced cells closely mirror the transcriptomic and phenotypic profiles of natural primate germ cells, achieving developmental milestones such as prepachytene piRNA biogenesis. The study also highlights the essential roles of NANOS3 and DND1 in maintaining germline identity and explores how retinoic acid signaling influences maturation. Ultimately, this platform provides a critical framework for studying primate gametogenesis and developing future treatments for male infertility.

References:

• Whelan E C, Guo M, Yokomizo R, et al. Generation of spermatogonia from human and non-human primate pluripotent stem cells[J]. Cell Stem Cell, 2026.