Human testicles can provide stem cells

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists said adult stem cells found in human testicles might be used in place of controversial embryonic stem cells to help fight diseases.

Weill Cornell Medical College researchers used spermatogonial progenitor stem cells, or SPCs, obtained from mice testes to form so-called multi-potent adult spermatogonial-derived stem cells. Those cells developed into endothelial cells and tissue, as well as cardiac cells, brain cells and a variety of other cell types.

Prior research used genetic manipulation to reprogram adult cells derived from connective tissue to acquire stem-cell potential, differentiating into various organ-specific tissues, the scientists said. However, that reprogramming method -- called "induced pluripotency" -- carried an increased risk of transforming into malignant cells.

"Some hurdles remain … nevertheless, it appears that these unique specialized spermatogonial cells could be an easily obtained and manipulated source of stem cells with exactly the same capability to form new tissues that we see in embryonic stem cells," said senior study author Dr. Shahin Rafii.

The research is reported in journal Nature.