UK scientists create first human sperm from stem cells

 2009-07-08 08:44:21  

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhuanet) --

Researchers at Newcastle University in England reported Wednesday that they have created the first human sperm cells from embryonic stem cells.

    The research led by Professor Karim Nayernia at Newcastle University and the NorthEast England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) developed a new technique that allows the creation of human sperm in the laboratory.

    The creation was a proof of concept that stem cells can generate any cell in the body — not only the dozens of tissues that make up the human body, but also those egg and sperm cells that may give rise to new bodies altogether.

    "Other cell types don't generate the next generation," says Nayernia, "This makes a very big difference between our study and the study of other cell types from embryonic stem cells."

    The research team stressed that the sperm would not be used for fertility treatment, as this is prohibited by British law and in any case is not their main interest.

    The research, published in the journal Stem Cells and Development, could also lead to a better understanding of how genetic diseases are passed on.

    "This is an important development as it will allow researchers to study in detail how sperm forms and lead to a better understanding of infertility in men -- why it happens and what is causing it," said Nayernia.

    (Agencies)

Editor: Bi