Year 4 (NCE)

This is the final report for the proposal with aims to: 1) Derive human spermatogonial stem cell (hSSC) and hIPSC (human induced pluripotent stem cell) lines from the same individual. 2) Compare hSSCs, hIPSCs and hESCs in terms of critical molecular, genetic and developmental characteristics. 3) Incorporate well-characterized cell lines into a Stanford human pluripotent stem cell bank for broad distribution to the scientific community. We have completed these aims with production of lines, publication of key findings in scientific journals and leveraging of research to obtain non-CIRM funds to perpetuate the research and maintain staff. We developed key assays that allow assessment of the total potential of different cell lines for disease modeling and understanding of human development. Efforts are underway to bring findings to bear on clinical problems in reproductive and general health. We anticipate that results will allow us to especially elucidate and address problems of male infertility in cases of germ cell (spermatogenic) loss in the face of cancer, autoimmune disorders and/or injury.