Scientists investigating germ cells have, over the past 15 years, originated discoveries and innovations that give us valuable insights into the mechanisms that regulate not just stem cell function, but human development in its widest sense. With contributions from some of the leading researchers in the field, Male Germline Stem Cells: Developmental and Regenerative Potential assesses the implications of these discoveries for understanding the fundamental biology of germline stem cells as well as their potential for human stem cell-based therapies. This monograph covers many of the fundamental issues now being explored by today’s generation of stem cell researchers, including the field’s potential for regenerative medicine. Ranging from an assessment of the pluripotency of primordial germ cells and their possible applications in treating testicular cancer, to the recovery of once-mordant fertilization-competent sperm, this volume has it all. It is a reference point for any scientist involved in related research as well as being a timely summation of what could prove to be a hugely exciting and very fruitful area of inquiry.
Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Series Editor: Kursad Turksen, Ph.D.
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For further volumes: www.springer.com/series/7896
Kyle E. Orwig Brian P. Hermann ●
Editors
Male Germline Stem Cells: Developmental and Regenerative Potential
Editors Kyle E. Orwig University of Pittsburgh Magee-Womens Research Institute 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 USA
[email protected]
Brian P. Hermann University of Pittsburgh Magee-Womens Research Institute 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 USA
[email protected]
ISBN 978-1-61737-972-7 e-ISBN 978-1-61737-973-4 DOI 10.1007/978-1-61737-973-4 Springer New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011 All rights reserved. This work may not be translated or copied in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher (Humana Press, c/o Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA), except for brief excerpts in connection with reviews or scholarly analysis. Use in connection with any form of information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed is forbidden. The use in this publication of trade names, trademarks, service marks, and similar terms, even if they are not identified as such, is not to be taken as an expression of opinion as to whether or not they are subject to proprietary rights. Printed on acid-free paper Humana Press is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
Foreword
The germ cell genome threads continuously from generation to generation via the sperm and egg. These gametes combine at fertilization to produce the totipotent zygote (one-cell embryo) that gives rise to each generation. Thus, the germ cell lineage is immortal and has extraordinary developmental and, perhaps, therapeutic potential. The germ cell field has generated several exciting discoveries and innovations during the past 15 years, which provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that regulate developmental potency and stem cell function. This monograph discusses the implications of these discoveries for understanding the fundamental biology of germline stem cells as well as their potential for human stem