Differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells into male germ-like cells in co-culture with testicular cells

OBJECTIVE: Stem cell therapy, specifically, pre-induction of mesenchymal stem cells toward male germ-like cells may be useful in patients with azoospermia. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro differentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into male germ-like cells by indirect co-culture with testicular cells in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). METHODS: Experimental groups included: control (mouse BMSCs), treatment group-1 (BMSCs treated with BMP4), treatment group-2 (indirect co-culture of BMSCs with mouse testicular cells in the presence of BMP4) and treatment group-3 (indirect co-culture of BMSCs with testicular cells). BMSCs-derived male germ-like cells were evaluated by the expression of Dazl, and Stra8 using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Stra8 gene expression was significantly increased in the treatment group-2 and Dazl gene was significantly increased in the treatment group-1 compared to other groups. In conclusion, indirect co-culturing of BMSCs with testicular cells and BMP4 leads to the differentiation of BMSCs into male germ-like cells which express specific male germ-like genes. Testicular cells released factors that contributed to the differentiation of BMSCs into male germ progenitor cells. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that mesenchymal stem cells may be differentiated into male germ-like cells and therefore, may be a novel treatment option for men with azoospermia.