Spermatogonial Differentiation Via Testicular Organoid

Summary

Purpose:

This clinical trial aims to explore the potential for human sperm production in vitro by sustaining a laboratory-cultured adult testicular environment. It also seeks to identify genetic factors contributing to human sterility and failed spermatogenesis. The study's primary objectives include:

1. Identifying genomic markers associated with sterility and failed spermatogenesis.
2. Developing an ex vivo (outside the body) testis "organ-on-a-chip" ("iTestis") to support stem cell cultivation.
3. Determining whether human spermatogenesis can be re-created in vitro using stem cells nurtured in the iTestis model.

Study Description:

Researchers will analyze the genomic profiles of fertile and sterile male participants to map genetic abnormalities associated with sterility. Using testicular and skin tissue samples from participants, spermatogonial stem cells and pluripotent stem cells will be isolated and utilized to construct the ex vivo iTestis. This system will integrate genomic insights and prior research to foster human spermatogenesis outside the body.

Participant Involvement:

Participants will provide the following samples:

* Blood sample for serum analysis.
* A skin tissue biopsy.
* Testicular tissue, obtained through fine needle aspiration (FNA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE), as part of a routine procedure.

All procedures will be conducted by the principal investigator and qualified research staff, ensuring participant safety and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Conditions

• Infertility, Male
• Gene Abnormality
• Sterility, Male

Interventions

GENETIC

Stem cell

Primary cell cultures of tissue cells will be established. Cell cultures will undergo genetic reprogramming to induce the long-term propagation of living cells.

GENETIC

Genetic Screening

Serum samples are processed through RNA sequencing to reveal known and novel infertility-related biomarkers and genes.

GENETIC

Genetic Reprogramming

Genes or gene products will be reinserted into cells to observe how the cells can be changed, or reprogrammed, into embryonic-like cells or into sperm precursor cells.

GENETIC

Cell Maturation

Genetically unmodified and modified cells are placed in a laboratory-based testicular environment to promote spermatogenesis into maturity.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Turek Clinic, Inc

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• CellARTs Inc.

  lead INDUSTRY

Principal Investigators

• Paul J Turek, MD · Chief Medical Officer

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-03-28

Primary Completion

2026-12-01

Completion

2027-01-01

FDA Drug

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations