Current scenario and challenges ahead in application of spermatogonial stem cell technology in livestock

Balakrishnan Binsila; Sellappan Selvaraju; Rajan Ranjithkumaran; Santhanahalli Siddalingappa Archana; Balaganur Krishnappa; Subrata Kumar Ghosh; Harendra Kumar; Raghavendra B Subbarao; Arunachalam Arangasamy; Raghavendra Bhatta

doi:10.1007/s10815-021-02334-7

Current scenario and challenges ahead in application of spermatogonial stem cell technology in livestock

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2021 Dec;38(12):3155-3173. doi: 10.1007/s10815-021-02334-7. Epub 2021 Oct 18.

Affiliations

¹ Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, 560 030, India. drbinsila@gmail.com.
² Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, 560 030, India.
³ Animal Reproduction Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, India.
⁴ Indian council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, 560 030, India.

Abstract

Purpose: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the source for the mature male gamete. SSC technology in humans is mainly focusing on preserving fertility in cancer patients. Whereas in livestock, it is used for mining the factors associated with male fertility. The review discusses the present status of SSC biology, methodologies developed for in vitro culture, and challenges ahead in establishing SSC technology for the propagation of superior germplasm with special reference to livestock.

Method: Published literatures from PubMed and Google Scholar on topics of SSCs isolation, purification, characterization, short and long-term culture of SSCs, stemness maintenance, epigenetic modifications of SSCs, growth factors, and SSC cryopreservation and transplantation were used for the study.

Result: The fine-tuning of SSC isolation and culture conditions with special reference to feeder cells, growth factors, and additives need to be refined for livestock. An insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in maintaining stemness and proliferation of SSCs could facilitate the dissemination of superior germplasm through transplantation and transgenesis. The epigenetic influence on the composition and expression of the biomolecules during in vitro differentiation of cultured cells is essential for sustaining fertility. The development of surrogate males through gene-editing will be historic achievement for the foothold of the SSCs technology.

Conclusion: Detailed studies on the species-specific factors regulating the stemness and differentiation of the SSCs are required for the development of a long-term culture system and in vitro spermatogenesis in livestock. Epigenetic changes in the SSCs during in vitro culture have to be elucidated for the successful application of SSCs for improving the productivity of the animals.

Keywords: Cryopreservation; Culture system; Growth factors; Isolation; Livestock; Spermatogonial stem cell.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult Germline Stem Cells
Animals
Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
Cell Transplantation / methods*
Fertility
In Vitro Techniques / methods
Livestock / physiology*
Male
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogonia / cytology*
Spermatogonia / physiology*
Stem Cells / cytology*
Stem Cells / physiology*