This is a major breakthrough for research into treatments for male infertility. To obtain this sperm, mouse male embryonic stem cells, which had become germ cells capable of forming gametes, were transplanted into the testes of mice unable to produce normal sperm. The resulting sperm were then used to fertilize eggs. The resulting embryos were transferred into female mice.
The result of this unprecedented experiment: healthy mice “quite fertile” according to scientists from Kyoto University in Japan, at the origin of this feat.
No operation for ten years
Until now no one had succeeded in recreating sperm from embryonic cells. This discovery constitutes a major advance in the framework of research to fight against human sterility. But it will take a little patience before seeing this technique applied to humans: studies still need to be done, especially on the effects of this experience on young mice.
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