Pluripotent Stem Cells from the Postnatal Testis: Unlocking the Potential of Spermatogonial Stem Cells

While embryonic stem (ES) cells are well known to give rise to tissues comprising all three germ layers, only recently was it shown that cells from the postnatal testis could produce embryonic-like stem cells in culture. The latter, arising in vitro from spermatogonia, can undertake most, if not all, the functions of ES cells. This chapter explores the potential predisposing factors for postnatal germ cells to become pluripotent, including expression of pluripotency-associated genes and epigenetic factors. The major published studies describing the production of ES-like cells from mice and human tissues are reviewed. Finally, we assess the data demonstrating functionality of the differentiated derivatives of ES-like cells. The possible uses of testis-derived stem cells for the study of pluripotency and for regenerative applications is also discussed in comparison to other approaches using ES cells and induced pluripotent stem (ips) cells.