So far, the research group of Professor Hayashi et al. Has succeeded in differentiating mouse pluripotent stem cells (cells that can become any cell in the body) into primordial germ-like cells (PGCLCs) that are the source of germ cells. ..However, in order to generate PGCLCs in an egg, somatic cells of the ovary (embryonic ovary) in the process of development in the fetus are required, so that the application to humans and the like is limited.

　In this study, we succeeded in inducing differentiation of fetal ovary somatic cells (FOLSCs) from mouse ES cells. Under the cellular environment created by FOSLCs, PGCLCs induced to differentiate from ES cells were wrapped in a special structure called a follicle and even developed into an egg.The developmental process is very similar to the development in the living body, and the obtained egg is developed in a mouse individual by fertilization and then grows into a reproductive adult.This indicates that fetal-derived somatic cells are not required for mouse egg production, and that functional ovarian tissue containing eggs can be reconstructed from ES cells alone.

　Induction of PGCLCs from pluripotent stem cells of various animals including humans and endangered species has been attempted all over the world, but fetal ovaries are difficult to obtain in any of the species, and it is a major barrier to egg production. It was.This research result will be a great achievement to remove the barrier.The ovaries are also endocrine organs that determine the sex of an individual.The newly developed ovarian tissue regeneration technology is expected to contribute not only to egg production but also to the investigation of the causes of various diseases related to the ovary.

Paper information:[Science] Generation of ovarian follicles from mouse pluripotent stem cells