Lab-grown artificial testicles offer hope for male infertility
In a major leap for male fertility research, Israeli scientists have successfully engineered “laboratory testicles” derived from mouse cells, opening new avenues for the possible production of sperm in a controlled laboratory environment.
The Bar-Ilan University campus in Ramat Gan on Oct. 18, 2020. Photo by Eitan Elhadez-Barak /TPS
The testis plays a pivotal role in sperm production and the synthesis of testosterone. Abnormalities in its development and function often lead to disorders such as male infertility and disorders of sex development. Until now, there has been a notable absence of in vitro systems for accurately modelling testis function and development.
Dr. Nitzan Gonen and her team of research students at Bar-Ilan University successfully crafted artificial testicles known as testis organoids. These miniature organs, created from real mouse testis cells, closely mimic the natural structure and function of the testis. Their findings were recently published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Biological Sciences.
“Artificial testicles are a promising model for basic research on testicle development and function, which can be translated into therapeutic applications for disorders of sexual development and infertility,” Gonen said.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in the burgeoning field of organoid research. Organoids are miniature, simplified versions of organs grown in vitro, typically from stem cells or tissue samples. They mimic the structure and function of real organs, allowing scientists to study organ development, function, and disease in a controlled laboratory setting. Researchers have already produced brain, kidney and intestinal organoids.
The Bar-Ilan team’s process involved culturing immature testicular cells obtained from neonatal mice, leading to the formation of tubule-like structures that closely resemble those found in natural testicles. Remarkably, these artificial testicles were sustained in vitro for an extended period of nine weeks, potentially providing ample time for the completion of sperm production and hormone secretion processes.
While the team has observed early indications of meiosis, the process of gamete production, the researchers stressed that further investigation is required to determine if functional sperm cells can be generated.
Gonen noted the potential of these artificial testicles not only for advancing fundamental research but for eventually leading to therapeutic interventions for individuals affected by disorders of sexual development and infertility. The ultimate goal, she said, would be producing testes organoids to offer solutions for children undergoing cancer treatment whose fertility may be compromised.
It is believed that male infertility contributes to 40-50% of all infertility cases.
Various factors contributing to male infertility include poor sperm quality, low sperm count, hormonal imbalances, anatomical issues, genetic factors, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications.
