Research
In a human body, and naturally in other animals of any species too, many diverse biological phenomena are taking place, being maintained, or discontinue and vanish, constantly and repeatedly. The spermatogenesis, production of sperm from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which we are interested in is one of such a biological process consisting of cell proliferation and differentiation. This spermatogenesis is only possible in malefs body; to be precise, in the testis. Once testis is taken out of the body, either as a whole or as a small fragment, spermatogenesis cannot be maintained nor developed de novo. Itfs not only spermatogenesis but also many other biological processes are very difficult to recapitulate outside the body. In order to understand those biological phenomena or processes, we need systems to make them happen outside the body, just in front of our eyes. Organ (Tissue) culture system is one of such experimental methods that we are interested in and trying to develop and improve. In fact, we have succeeded to produce functional sperm from SSCs with the testis of mouse using an organ culture method, which was the first demonstration of complete mammalian spermatogenesis achieved outside the body. Now we are trying to improve our method in various ways. Such trials themselves give us a chance to reconsider the mechanism of spermatogenesis and make it possible to tackle on the riddles of spermatogenesis and other mysterious phenomena of life as well.
y1zDeveloping culture system for human spermatogenesis
y2zEfficient and prolonged in vitro spermatogenesis using micro-fluidic devices
y3zIn vitro reorganization of testis tissue from cell lines
