Japan: Creating sperm from versatile stem cells

Japanese scientists have recently planned to build cells from multipurpose stem cells (iPS) - a type of cell that can transform into many different cellular organizations - in a laboratory environment. experience.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on February 18 accepted the scientific research plan of Keio University's group of scientists.

Scientists at Keio University conducted the study to determine the mechanism of reproductive cell formation in animals.

Japanese scientists hope to apply the results of the study to find effective remedies to cure infertility, the disease that takes away the happiness of millions of couples in the world.

However, MEXT currently has regulations prohibiting all activities for fertilizing eggs and artificial sperm in humans.

According to Professor Okano, Keio University initially planned to coordinate with a medical agency of the ministry to conduct research on this but because it was misunderstood that this is a research activity for cell treatment should have separated and worked separately.