Models for the spermatogonial stem cell niche and its regulation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Artur Mayerhofer
• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 252060861

This international project aims to study two novel aspects related to male (in)fertility and the spermatogonial stem cell niche. (1) We want to explore whether cell cultures of testicular cells from a seasonal breeder, the golden hamster, may allow to develop new cellular models for the study of the regulation and the mechanism of the spermatogonial stem cell niche. In this species photoperiodic regulation of testicular function and fertility occurs, which also involves prostaglandins.(2) Because prostaglandins in the golden hamster and in infertile men evolve as testicular factors, we want to explore, in cellular approaches, whether the spermatogonial stem cell niche may be influenced by prostaglandins. This is possible by combining our expertise: The Argentinean lab has experience in the area of the golden hamster and its testicular cells and functions, as well as testicular prostaglandins. The lab in Germany has additional expertise in the area of testicular immune cells, peritubular cells and recently also the SSC niche. Visits in the partner laboratories and funds for supplies are necessary to test the two points, which may lead to a common, focused project in the future.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Argentina
• Partner Organisation: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
• Participating Persons: Dr. Mónica Beatriz Frungieri; Dr. Harald Welter