Japanese researchers have found a way to turn mouse embryonic stem cells into sperm. When transplanted into mice that were unable to produce sperm normally, the stem cell derived PGCs produced normal-looking sperm, which were then used to successfully fertilize eggs. These fertilized eggs, when transplanted into a recipient mother, produced healthy offspring that grew into fertile male and female adult mice. The same procedure could produce fertile offspring from induced pluripotent stem cells that are often derived from adult skin cells. A number of research teams have created PGCs in the past, but no healthy offspring have ever resulted.
Already some research teams are trying to create sperm and eggs from induced pluripotent stem cells. This would make it possible for gay couples to have children who are genetically their own. BioEdge
Related: New lab-grown sperm not a moral solution to male infertility
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