In Vitro Development of Primordial Follicles from Human Ovarian Tissue

The ability to develop human oocytes from the primordial stage to full maturation entirely in vitro presents profound opportunities. Beyond advancing basic science in oogenesis and meiosis, in vitro growth systems hold immense potential for novel assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Advances in deriving oocytes from stem cells combined with in vitro growth and in vitro maturation hold the promise of revolutionizing fertility preservation. Should these stem cell-derived oocytes prove functionally competent, in combination with IVG systems they could ultimately reduce reliance on donor gametes and expand reproductive options for a wide range of patients. Looking ahead, refining culture conditions to more closely mimic the in vivo ovarian niche will be essential for improving oocyte quality and developmental competence. Ethical and regulatory frameworks will also need to evolve to address the unique challenges posed by in vitro-derived gametes. As genomic, epigenetic, and metabolic profiling techniques advance, they will enable rigorous assessment of the safety and fidelity of IVG derived oocytes. In the long term, these technologies could not only transform fertility treatment but also serve as powerful models for studying human germline development, inheritance, and disease. This chapter outlines a methodology for developing human oocytes from primordial follicles to maturity.