About this Research Topic
Keeping in view the research needs for clinical fertility preservation (i.e., to achieve ex vivo spermatogenesis), it is necessary to develop new strategies to generate ex vivo testicular models. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional organoid and organ culture models employing cell and tissue-based strategies have been successfully established for non-primate species. None of these strategies could be successfully applied to generate primate testicular models or to achieve ex vivo primate spermatogenesis using either immature or mature testicular tissue from humans and non-human primates (including marmoset and macaque monkeys). This Research Topic focuses on the application of innovative research strategies to mimic various stages of primate spermatogenesis and investigate the impact of environmental toxins on testicular germ cell and niche function.
Special attention will be given to the following sub-topics:
• in vitro spermatogenesis including human and non-human primates,
• developing pre-clinical strategies for fertility preservation including ex vivo culture and transplantation approaches,
• development of new methods including bio-engineered organoid models, 3D printed or microfluidic-based miniature systems/platforms and technologies to investigate testicular biology and function,
• investigation on the role of testicular somatic cells and testicular niche in influencing primate germ cell function,
• role of endocrine axis in influencing testicular differentiation,
• role of animal models in research investigating male reproductive function.
Authors are welcome to submit original research articles, review articles, mini review articles, and commentaries within the scope of this Research Topic.
Keywords: IN VITRO SPERMATOGENESIS, MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, FERTILITY PRESERVATION, TESTIS, INFERTILITY, PRIMORDIAL GERM CELLS, SPERMATOGONIAL STEM CELLS, TESTICULAR SOMATIC CELLS, TESTICULAR NICHE, SPERMATOGONIAL BIOLOGY
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.