Brinster Spermatogonial Stem Cell Transplantation 25^th Anniversary Symposium

The Symposium, co-sponsored by the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the University Research Foundation, the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, the Penn Center for the Study of Epigenetics in Reproduction, and Penn Vet at the University of Pennsylvania, commemorated the 25^th anniversary of the first publications describing spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation in mice. This transformative approach has propelled advances in our understanding of germ cell biology, has been translated to a variety of vertebrate species, and holds translational potential for fertility restoration in patients. The symposium opened with a lecture by Dr. Brinster reflecting on the origin of the work, as well as advances over the 25 years up to present ongoing studies. Following Dr. Brinster's remarks, 10 lectures were presented by distinguished scientists, including several of Dr. Brinster's former trainees and colleagues. The symposium closed with a keynote lecture by Dr. David Page. Topics ranged from aspects of basic SSC biology to applications in large animal models and potential translation to treating human male infertility. Many of the studies presented directly resulted from SSC transplantation technology highlighting its tremendous impact in advancing the field. The Symposium program and the lectures can be found at https://spark.adobe.com/page/jS0cDLzLHvOiJ.