Ex Host Maturation of Germline Stem Cells for Tumor-Free Fertility Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving fertility in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy are invasive and do not effectively prevent the reintroduction of tumor cells, and there are limited options for restoring fertility in individuals who have experienced germ cell depletion, particularly in prepubertal males and females.
Innovation Solution
A method for ex host maturation of immature germline stem cells into functional sperm or eggs using artificial seminiferous tubules and granulosa cells, respectively, under conditions mimicking in vivo maturation, allowing for cryopreservation and subsequent in vitro fertilization to avoid tumor contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct re-implantation or autologous transplantation of germline stem cells is performed, then fertility restoration is achieved, but there is risk of re-introducing tumor cells contaminating the original explanted tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the germline stem cells from the original testicular or ovarian tissue, separating them from any potential tumor cells. The isolated stem cells are then cultured and differentiated in vitro to produce mature sperm or eggs, which are used for reproduction without re-introducing the original tissue that may contain tumor contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary in vitro culture and differentiation system to transform germline stem cells into mature reproductive cells. This intermediary process allows for controlled maturation outside the body, enabling fertility restoration while avoiding direct re-implantation of original tissue that could contain tumor cells.
2Reliability
If germline stem cells are cryopreserved and later re-implanted, then fertility can be restored, but the process is invasive and carries medical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical re-implantation process with an in vitro differentiation and maturation system. Instead of surgically re-inserting cryopreserved tissue or cells into the body, the stem cells are cultured and differentiated in controlled laboratory conditions to produce mature sperm or eggs that can be used for reproduction through less invasive means.
3Reliability
If chemotherapy or radiation therapy is administered to treat malignancies, then cancer is treated, but germline stem cells are depleted causing infertility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cryopreservation of germline stem cells before chemotherapy or radiation therapy depletes them. By storing these stem cells in advance, the patent ensures a reservoir of germ cells that can later be differentiated and used for fertility restoration after the patient completes cancer treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of germline stem cells from their native in vivo environment to cryopreserved storage conditions, and later to differentiated in vitro conditions. This parameter transformation allows the cells to survive chemotherapy and radiation that would otherwise destroy them, enabling future fertility restoration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for the ex host maturation of immature germline cells into haploid gametes for restoration of fertility in patients in need thereof.