Transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells in stallions

Abstract

Spermatogonial stem cells originate from gonocytes and undergo self-renewal and differentiation to generate mature spermatozoa via spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules of the testis in male mammals. Owing to the unique capacity of these cells, the spermatogonial stem cell transplantation technique, which enables the restoration of male fertility by transfer of germlines between donor and recipient males, has been developed. Thus, spermatogonial stem cell transplantation can be used as an important next-generation reproductive and breeding tool in livestock production. However, in large animals, this approach is associated with many technical limitations and inefficiency. Furthermore, research regrading spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in stallions is limited. Therefore, this review article describes the history and current knowledge regarding spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in animals and challenges in establishing an experimental protocol for successful spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in stallions, which have been presented under the following heads: spermatogonial stem cell isolation, recipient preparation, and spermatogonial stem cell transplantation. Additionally, we suggest that further investigation based on previous unequivocal evidence regarding donor-derived spermatogenesis in large animals must be conducted. A detailed and better understanding of the physical and physiological aspects is required to discuss the current status of this technique field and develop future directions for the establishment of spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in stallions.

Keywords

• Spermatogonial stem cells
• Transplantation
• Germ cells
• Rete testis
• Stallions