Future of spermatogonial stem cell culture: Application of nanofiber scaffolds

Abstract: The regulation of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) fate is controlled by the interplay of signaling networks that either promote self-renewal or induce differentiation.The spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are unique in mammals because they can transmit genetic information from generation to generation and it is of great importance. In testes, Sertoli cells, peritubularmyoid cells, Leydig cells and other interstitial cells contribute to the spermatogonial stem cell niche . So, creation of niche in in vitro condition that mimic in vivo environment is essential to maintain functional characteristic of SSCs. Nanofiber matrices mimic the architecture and size scale of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). The scaffold provides more threedimensional (3D) biomimicking topographical signals to seeded cells and results in a more physiologically relevant cellular phenotype. Several investigators use different nanofiber scaffold like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) scaffold, poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofiber scaffold, 3D soft agar culture system, human serum albumin (HSA)/tri calcium phosphate nanoparticles > (TCPNPs) and electro spun polyamide nanofiber for proliferation and maintenance of self-renewal activity of SSCs. Application of nanofiber scaffolds in in vitro culture of SSCs may produce surplus of cells, that can be use in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, assisted reproductive technology and in treatment of disease like pre-pubertal cancer. In this review, we describe the impact of nanofiber scaffolds on culture of SSCs derived from human-to-rat.

Keywords:

Culture system , ECM , Nanofiber scaffold , PLLA , Spermatogonial stem cells