For the first time, iPS cells are used to develop human eggs

For the first time in the world, a group of Japanese researchers have used human multi-functional stem cells (iPS) to create immature reproductive cells, which can develop into eggs.

This result will help develop human egg production techniques from iPS.

Induced pluripotent stem cells can develop into any type of tissue in the body. The team developed them into reproductive cell precursor cells. Later, these cells were kept for about 3 months, in the same box with egg cells separated from pups.

The team said that spherical cells were obtained with large cell nuclei. After analyzing the shape and characteristics of these cells, the group concludes that these are oocytes, the precursors of egg cells.

The team said the result will help develop human egg-making techniques from induced pluripotent stem cells. The group also said it could explain the cause of infertility through research on egg formation.