London, July 8 (Inditop.com) Scientists using embryonic stem cells have created human sperm for the first time.
Researchers led by Karim Nayernia, professor at Newcastle University and the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) have developed a new technique which has made human sperm possible in the lab.
“This is an important development as it will allow researchers to study in detail how sperm forms and lead to a better understanding of infertility in men – why it happens and what is causing it,” said Nayernia.
“This understanding could help us develop new ways to help couples suffering infertility so they can have a child which is genetically their own”, he said.
“It will also allow scientists to study how cells involved in reproduction are affected by toxins, for example, why young boys with leukaemia who undergo chemotherapy can become infertile for life – and possibly lead us to a solution.”
The team also believes that studying the process of forming sperm could lead to a better understanding of how genetic diseases are passed on.
The work was published Wednesday in Stem Cells and Development.
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