Imag(in)e the human male gonad in 3D

Abstract

Worldwide infertility rates are on the rise, raising demand for medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and exposing our limited knowledge on human germ cell development and the communication between germ cells and the testicular somatic niche. A human testis culture model could increase this knowledge. A culture model for the human testis should maintain germ cells and ensure a properly organized somatic niche. In time, understanding the mechanisms behind germ cell development throughout the human life could lead to novel MAR options for opposite- and same-sex couples.

In this thesis, Chapter 1 provides a general introduction on the cycle of human reproduction. Chapter 2 investigates the synchronicity of germ cell maturation inside cysts in human second trimester, prepubertal and adult testes. In Chapter 3, we describe a method to isolate and culture different populations of germ cells and Sertoli cells from second trimester human testis. In Chapter 4, we established a 3D culture platform for the second trimester human testis, by reconstituting human testes. Chapter 5 offers a systematic review on meiosis induction from the common marmoset, cynomolgus monkeys and humans. Chapter 6 discusses the chapters presented in this thesis and their scope to the wider field of human reproductive science.