Funding for artificial testicle project will get ball rolling

A joint venture between two US companies to develop an artificial testicle has been awarded funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The Turek Clinic, a men’s health medical practice, and MandalMed Inc, a San Francisco-based biotech company, received the grant to construct an artificial human testicle and explore how sperm are made from stem cells.

The new work will build on previously published research by Dr. Paul Turek on human testicular stem cells, the forerunners of sperm. Dr. Constance John, from MandalMed, brings to the project his expertise concerning human Sertoli cells, which nurture sperm as they develop in the testicle. In this project, the two researchers will try to produce mature human sperm in a live laboratory model of a human testicle. “This grant is quite an honor and comes after several years working together on this idea,” said Turek. “We have assembled a great group of scientists who are very committed to its success.”

A functioning artificial testicle has important implications for the field of reproductive biology. “Fertile sperm can be made from various stem cells in mice, but making human sperm from these same sources has been elusive,” explained Turek.

The project could shed important light on the complex details behind the mysterious and poorly understood process of spermatogenesis (sperm production). Turek believes it may also one day be used to develop patient-specific, fertile sperm for men who are unable to make sperm due to genetic or acquired causes.

Related:
Discuss this article in our forum
Animal kingdom’s testicle king revealed
Researchers Investigate Giant Sperm Paradox
Balls vs Brains In Batty Battle For Evolutionary Success

Source: The Turek Clinic

, ,

Comments are closed.

Testicle Festival Rock Creek Lodge Montana

Testicle Festival Rock Creek Lodge Montana "I had a Ball" Coffee Mug

$25.50



Phareodus testis (on front)  • 11 Fossil Fish in Mortality Layer (on back) picture

Phareodus testis (on front) • 11 Fossil Fish in Mortality Layer (on back)

$975.00



Crystal bamboo jasper Man genital Penis Testicle Figurine Pocket Stone 5pc picture

Crystal bamboo jasper Man genital Penis Testicle Figurine Pocket Stone 5pc

$17.99



NEW Solid Brass Men Testicles Pendant for Keychain Trendy Balls Key picture

NEW Solid Brass Men Testicles Pendant for Keychain Trendy Balls Key

$7.88



Hanging Testicles Saggy Balls Scrotum Ball Sack - underwear costume party prop picture

Hanging Testicles Saggy Balls Scrotum Ball Sack - underwear costume party prop

$15.98



Solid Brass Men Testicles Pendant for Keychain Trendy Balls Keyr WR picture

Solid Brass Men Testicles Pendant for Keychain Trendy Balls Keyr WR

$1.95



Hairy Testicles Keyring Keychain Pair of Saggy Balls Joke Key Ring Scrotum Gift picture

Hairy Testicles Keyring Keychain Pair of Saggy Balls Joke Key Ring Scrotum Gift

$18.66



Wooden Prader Orchidometer, Prader Balls for Measuring Testicles picture

Wooden Prader Orchidometer, Prader Balls for Measuring Testicles

$49.99



Crystal goldstone Man genital Penis Testicle Figurine Pocket Stone 5pc picture

Crystal goldstone Man genital Penis Testicle Figurine Pocket Stone 5pc

$17.99



Mini Cherry blossom agate Man genital Penis Testicle Figurine Pocket Stone 5pc picture

Mini Cherry blossom agate Man genital Penis Testicle Figurine Pocket Stone 5pc

$17.99



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes