Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
11:37
Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
Published on: November 24, 2015
18.7K
Mouse undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells cultured as aggregates under simulated microgravity
1Guangdong Provincial key lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agriculture University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Andrologia
|December 2, 2014
Summary
Simulated microgravity using a rotary bioreactor enhanced mouse spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferation and differentiation. These stem cells in microgravity maintained their stemness and formed aggregates resembling in vivo cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Stem cell culture systems are crucial for research and clinical applications.
- Simulated microgravity (SMG) shows potential for enhancing stem cell proliferation and differentiation.
- The impact of SMG on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of SMG on mouse SSC proliferation and differentiation.
- To evaluate the potential of rotating cell culture systems (RCCS) for SSC culture.
- To compare SSC growth in SMG versus static conditions.
Main Methods:
- Mouse SSCs were cultured with Sertoli cell feeders on fibrin scaffolds in a rotary bioreactor (RCCS) for 14 days.
- SMG conditions were created using a rotary bioreactor.
- Static cultures served as controls for comparison.
Main Results:
- SSC cultures in SMG showed enhanced proliferation compared to static cultures after an initial 3-day lag.
- SMG cultures formed larger cell aggregates (242.63 μm) than static cultures (49.51 μm).
- Proliferating SSCs in SMG retained stemness, clone-forming capacity, and differentiated into round spermatids.
Conclusions:
- Rotary bioreactors create SMG environments that promote mouse SSC proliferation and differentiation.
- SMG-cultured SSC aggregates exhibit characteristics similar to native in vivo cells.
- Rotary bioreactors offer a promising alternative for clinical applications of SSCs.
