Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Mouse Round Spermatid Injection
Published on: January 26, 2024
[In vitro spermatogenesis… new horizon to restore fertility?]
B Arkoun1, L Dumont, J-P Milazzo
1CECOS, EA4308 « gamétogenèse et qualité du gamète », IRIB, laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, université de Rouen, hôpitaux de Rouen, CHU Charles-Nicolle, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France. brahim.arkoun@etu.univ-rouen.fr
Abstract:
The survival of the young boy after cancer has considerably progressed in recent years due to the efficiency of chemo/radiotherapy against the tumor cells. However, this treatment causes adverse effects on healthy tissues, including fertility. Freezing testicular tissue before highly gonadotoxic treatment is a prerequisite for preserving fertility in prepubertal boys that do not produce sperm yet. But which strategy proposes to restore fertility from frozen-thawed testicular tissue? One potential solution would be to consider an in vitro maturation of spermatogonial stem cells. In this article we trace the chronological development of in vitro spermatogenesis that resulted in mouse sperm production in vitro and give an overview of new challenges for the future.
Insights
Fertility preservation for prepubertal boys undergoing cancer treatment is crucial. Research explores in vitro spermatogenesis from frozen testicular tissue to restore fertility, building on successful mouse sperm production.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Oncology
- Stem cell science
Context:
- Cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause infertility.
- Prepubertal boys cannot produce sperm and require fertility preservation before treatment.
- Freezing testicular tissue is a current method for fertility preservation.
Purpose:
- To review the progress of in vitro spermatogenesis techniques.
- To discuss the potential of restoring fertility from frozen-thawed testicular tissue.
- To highlight future challenges in the field.
Summary:
- Chemo/radiotherapy improves cancer survival but risks fertility.
- Freezing testicular tissue preserves fertility potential in prepubertal boys.
- In vitro maturation of spermatogonial stem cells offers a potential fertility restoration strategy.
Impact:
- Advances in in vitro spermatogenesis could lead to new fertility treatments for cancer survivors.
- This research paves the way for future clinical applications in reproductive medicine.
- Understanding the chronological development aids in overcoming current limitations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Infertility in Males
Meiosis II
Fertilization

