Amazing stuff! Homunculus is coming closer one organoid at a time!
"The world’s first test-tube testes have been created by a group of researchers at Bar-Ilan University, signaling a huge advancement in several key fields of research such as fetal sex determination, male infertility solutions, and strategic conversation starters to get yourself excused from the Thanksgiving dinner table. ..."
"... are testis organoids – tiny, artificial organs produced from real mouse testis. Development of organoids has greatly advanced in the last decade with the realization that two-dimensional cellular sample in vitro cannot mimic the behavior of an entire organ. Today, organoids of the brain, kidneys, intestines, and other organs have already been produced. The testicular organoids created by Gonen's group closely simulate a natural testicle. ..."
From the abstract:
"The testis is responsible for sperm production and androgen synthesis. Abnormalities in testis development and function lead to disorders of sex development and male infertility. Currently, no in vitro system exists for modelling the testis. Here, we generated testis organoids from neonatal mouse primary testicular cells using transwell inserts and show that these organoids generate tubule-like structures and cellular organization resembling that of the in vivo testis. Gene expression analysis of organoids demonstrates a profile that recapitulates that observed in in vivo testis. Embryonic testicular cells, but not adult testicular cells are also capable of forming organoids. These organoids can be maintained in culture for 8-9 weeks and shows signs of entry into meiosis. We further developed defined media compositions that promote the immature versus mature Sertoli cell and Leydig cell states, enabling organoid maturation in vitro. These testis organoids are a promising model system for basic research of testes development and function, with translational applications for elucidation and treatment of developmental sex disorders and infertility."
Bar-Ilan University researchers produce “laboratory testicles” The artificial testicles will contribute to the advancement of research in male fertility and sexual development disorders, and are expected to facilitate the eventual production of sperm in the laboratory
Caption: A bright field image of a testicular organoid created from mouse embryos and incubated in a dish for 14 days. The tubular structures formed in the dish are clearly visible.
Graphical abstract
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