Stem Leydig Cells Discovered Population Council reproductive biologist Matthew P. Hardy and his colleagues at the Council’s Center for Biomedical Research have discovered the precursors of Leydig cells, the primary source of testosterone in males. Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are derived from embryos, stem Leydig cells are found in fully developed animals and humans. Stem Leydig cells could potentially be used to treat boys and men who suffer from male-hormone deficiency, or hypogonadism. (Hypogonadism can result in slowed growth, loss of sex drive, infertility, impotence, and osteoporosis.)  | Matthew P. Hardy meets with his staff, Senior Research Investigator, Renshan Ge, visiting professor Guorong Chen, and Senior Technician, Chantal Sottas, in his laboratory. The team's research into stem Leydig cells has been funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Chen also receives support from the Monder Fund, named in honor of the late Council researcher Carl Monder, discoverer of an enzyme that protects Leydig cells.
Photo credit: Karen Tweedy-Holmes/Population Council |
Stem cells can self-renew indefinitely; thus they remain “young” for a lifetime. They can also differentiate (become specialized) into other cell types, replenishing lost cells and repairing damaged tissue. These properties lead many scientists to believe that the study of stem cells may revolutionize disease treatment. Now that the Hardy lab has isolated stem Leydig cells, scientists can study them to understand how they are regulated and learn what factors cause them to specialize or inhibit them from doing so. Theoretically, these stem cells could be removed from hypogonadal boys and men, grown in a Petri dish, and then transplanted back into the same person as a treatment for male-hormone deficiency. There would be no chance of tissue rejection or need for anti-rejection drugs because the cells are those of the individual being treated. Such transplants may provide a treatment for male-hormone deficiency that is superior to current treatments. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published the Hardy lab’s findings in February 2006; the research was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Hardy and his Council colleagues Renshan Ge, Qiang Dong, and Chantal M. Sottas conduct basic research on androgen secretion and male reproductive health; stress and reproduction; environmental toxicants and male fertility; and male contraception. Last year the team found that exposure to low levels of phthalates can alter testosterone levels and significantly accelerate the onset of male puberty in rats. Phthalates are chemicals used to make food packaging and infant toys more flexible; they are also found in many common cosmetic products.(Return to issue contents)
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