research development of spermatogonial stem cell and their pluripotency in non-primate mammals

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have the ability of self-renewal and differentiate into sperm throughout the life of male animals. They are the unique adult stem cells that transmit genetic information to subsequent generations. Recently, accumulating evidences have demonstrated that SSCs can be reprogrammed to become ES-like cells that differentiate into all cell lineages of the three germ layers. These studies were mainly focused on non-primate mammals. Therefore, this review summarized the characterization, isolation, purification, cultivation, identification and transplantation of SSCs in non-primate mammals, and discussed the unlimited pluripotency and plasticity of SSCs. We also provided valuable insights of SSCs in the treatment of male infertility and application potential of human regenerative medicine. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.057707402.2016.02.17