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Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2025

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

Development of the membrane ceiling method for in vitro spermatogenesis.

Maki Kamoshita¹, Hiroki Shirai², Hiroko Nakamura²

¹Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.

Scientific Reports

|January 3, 2025

Summary

Researchers developed a novel in vitro system to culture mouse testes, successfully supporting spermatogenesis for months. This breakthrough enables live imaging and produces fertile offspring, offering new avenues for infertility research and treatment.

Keywords:

4-Polymethyl-1-pentene polymer (PMP)Fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer (FEP)In vitro spermatogenesis Membrane ceiling chip Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)Testis culture

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Last Updated: Jun 4, 2025

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model

Published on: February 6, 2018

Enrichment of Pachytene Spermatocytes and Spermatids from Mouse Testes Using Standard Laboratory Equipment

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Published on: September 17, 2019

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Step-specific Sorting of Mouse Spermatids by Flow Cytometry

Published on: December 31, 2015

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Developmental Biology
Cell Differentiation

Background:

Spermatogenesis is a complex cell differentiation process crucial for male fertility.
Failure in spermatogenesis is a primary cause of male infertility, necessitating effective in vitro models.
Existing testis organ culture methods using agarose gel have limitations in medium exchange and live imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop an improved in vitro system for recapitulating spermatogenesis.
To overcome the limitations of conventional agarose-based testis organ culture.
To enable long-term observation and analysis of spermatogenesis in real-time.

Main Methods:

A new testis organ culture device was designed using microporous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes and an oxygen-permeable 4-polymethyl-1-pentene polymer (PMP) membrane base.
The device minimized culture medium volume and facilitated weekly time-lapse live imaging.
Mouse testes were cultured within this device for extended periods.

Main Results:

The novel device successfully maintained spermatogenesis in mouse testes for several months.
Transgenic fluorescent markers allowed detailed observation of acrosome and nuclear shape formation during spermatogenesis.
Spermatozoa generated in the system resulted in healthy, fertile offspring.

Conclusions:

The developed device provides a robust platform for in vitro spermatogenesis, overcoming limitations of previous methods.
This system facilitates basic research into the complexities of spermatogenesis and its disorders.
The technology holds potential for applied research in diagnosing and treating male infertility.