@article{3094005,
    title = "Efforts to create an artificial testis: culture systems of male germ
cells under biochemical conditions resembling the seminiferous tubular
biochemical environment",
    author = "Sofikitis, N and Pappas, E and Kawatani, A and Baltogiannis, D and and Loutradis, D and Kanakas, N and Giannakis, D and Dimitriadis, F and and Tsoukanelis, K and Georgiou, I and Makrydimas, G and Mio, Y and and Tarlatzis, V and Melekos, M and Miyagawa, I",
    journal = "Human Reproduction Update",
    year = "2005",
    volume = "11",
    number = "3",
    pages = "229-259",
    publisher = "Oxford University Press",
    issn = "1355-4786, 1460-2369",
    doi = "10.1093/humupd/dmi007",
    keywords = "artificial testis; in vitro culture system; meiotic maturation;
spermatogonial stem cell",
    abstract = "Induction of meiotic and post-meiotic alterations of male germ cells in
vitro has been the target of several research efforts since 1960.
However, to date, the establishment of an ideal culture system in which
spermatogonial stem cells can be maintained and directed to proliferate
and undergo meiosis and complete spermiogenesis does not exist. This is
attributed to the difficulties concerning the isolation and purification
of defined subpopulations of germ cells and the establishment of male
germ cell lines. In addition, there is no adequate knowledge regarding
the optimal biochemical conditions that promote the survival and
differentiation of germ cells in long-term cultures. This review focuses
on the methodologies that have been proved sufficient to achieve
differentiation of cultured male germ cells. Furthermore, the factors
regulating spermatogenesis and the technical prerequisites to achieve
differentiation of cultured male germ cells are described. Finally, the
role of in vitro cultures of immature diploid germ cells in the
therapeutic management of men negative for haploid cells in their testes
and the subsequent potential genetic and epigenetic risks are discussed."
}