Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) also known as germ stem cells (GSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis process in the testis. Furthermore, they are also valuable cells with different applications in developmental biology, transgenesis technology, and clinic. Understanding the new findings related to the cell and molecular biology of SSCs and the methods for isolation and maintenance of these ce...

To characterize the molecular phenotype of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), we examined genes that are differentially expressed in the stem/progenitor spermatogonia compared to nonstem spermatogonia. We isolated type A spermatogonia (stem and nonstem type A) from 6-day-old mice using sedimentation velocity at unit gravity and further selected the stem/progenitor cell subpopulation by magnetic ...

In these two short reports, the authors approach issue of whether hydroxyurea (HU) use in young males has major irreversible effects on sperm production. Joseph et al analyzed and compared parameters male patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who were exposed or not to HU before puberty. They report semen abnormalities all but no differences between groups. Independently, Gille provide eviden...

Recent studies suggest a role for ERK1 in the regulation of spermatogonial proliferation. In this report the frog Rana esculenta, a seasonal breeder, was used as a model to study the possible effect on ERK1 of photoperiod and temperature. Adult male R. esculenta were subjected to several combinations of light and temperature at different times of the year to elucidate the regulation of ERK1 tes...

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are highly associated with therapy resistance and metastasis. Interplay between CSCs and various immune components is required for tumor survival. However, the response of CSCs to complement surveillance remains unknown. Herein, using stem-like sphere-forming cells prepared from a mammary tumor and a lung adenocarcinoma cell line, we found that CD59 was upregulated to p...

Background: The basis of spermatogenesis is the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The concentration of SSCs is very small. However, a system that supports the proliferation and maintenance of SSCs in vitro could be used to preserve and expand SSCs numbers as well as increase success in transplantation. It is a new avenue to restore spermatogenesis in azoospermia subjects. Objective: Proliferati...

The past 30 years have been marked by unparalleled accomplishments in the medical treatment of malignancy. Prior to advances in chemotherapeutic and radiation treatment, many oncologic conditions had dismal survival rates. Today, medical interventions have success rates that approach complete remission for many malignancies. An inadvertent complication of these therapies, however, has been the ...