[In Vitro Production of Germ Cells from Stem Cells: Hypes and Hopes]

ABSTRACT

Several lines of evidence have reported that mouse ESCs can successfully differentiate into primordial germ cells [PGCs] as well as into mature male and female gametes. Human ESCs and adult stern cells [ASCs] can also differentiate into PGCs. Differentiation of ESCs into germ cells of various stages seems to he a spontaneous and quick process, probably due to the nature of ESCs themselves and the microenvironment Of the culture conditions that favor this process. Although the functionality of these LSC-delived gametes tenuous to he established. derivation of both male and female gametes from ESCs raises the possibility of using these gametes to gain a better understanding of basic reproductive biology and. in particular, in conjunction with nuclear transfer technology. to extend the potential for therapeutic cloning and the treatment or infertility