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Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice
Published on: February 6, 2012
The pluripotency factor LIN28 in monkey and human testes: a marker for spermatogonial stem cells?
N Aeckerle1, K Eildermann, C Drummer
1Stem Cell Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
Molecular Human Reproduction
|June 13, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified LIN28-positive spermatogonia in adult non-human primate and human testes, suggesting LIN28 as a potential marker for rare spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in primates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis in mammals relies on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs).
- The identity of SSCs in non-human primates (NHPs) and humans remains unclear due to a lack of definitive markers and assays, unlike in mice.
- LIN28, a stem cell factor, is expressed in mouse spermatogonia but reportedly absent in human testes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate LIN28 expression in marmoset monkey and human testes during development and adulthood.
- To compare LIN28 expression patterns between mice, marmosets, and humans.
- To determine if LIN28 can serve as a marker for primate spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LIN28 expression in testes of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), humans, mice, and other NHPs (Lemur catta).
- Utilized immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative RT-PCR to assess LIN28 levels.
- Examined LIN28 expression in testes during different developmental stages and seasonal reproductive cycles.
Main Results:
- LIN28 was strongly expressed in early germ cells and a rare subpopulation of spermatogonia in adult marmoset testes.
- LIN28-positive spermatogonia were identified in adult human and other NHP testes, contradicting previous reports.
- Abundant LIN28-positive spermatogonia were found in involuted testes of seasonal breeders (hamster and NHP), suggesting a role in SSC maintenance.
Conclusions:
- LIN28 exhibits differential expression in spermatogonia between mice and NHPs.
- LIN28 may serve as a marker for a rare spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) population in non-human primates and humans.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize the LIN28-positive cell population in primate testes.
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