Transcriptional regulatory networks underlying the reprogramming of spermatogonial stem cells to multipotent stem cells

Insights into converting sperm-making stem cells into more versatile stem cells could lead to a new source for medical use. Stem cells that can develop into many forms of specialized mature cells are being investigated for treating a wide variety of degenerative diseases. Embryos are a common source of these stem cells, but the embryo-derived cells are associated with ethical and practical problems, including cancer risk. Sperm-generating cells can be reprogrammed to become more generally useful stem cells, but the factors governing this conversion are unclear. Researchers in South Korea led by Kye-Seong Kim at Hanyang University and Daehee Hwang at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have clarified the network of molecular signals involved. This will aid research aimed at exploiting this promising alternative source of stem cells.