Advances in Testicular Organoid Construction and Applications
YANG Rui1,2#, MA Shishi1#, ZHANG Boyang1, JIANG Daozhen1, MAO Yifei1, TANG Bo1*, ZHANG Xueming1*
TOs (testicular organoids), as an emerging 3D (three-dimensional) in vitro culture model, provide an innovative platform for simulating the cellular composition, spatial structure, and partial physiological functions of the testis. With deepening understanding of spermatogenesis mechanisms and tissue engineering techniques, significant progress has been made in reconstructing testicular structure and function in vitro using various cell sources, including primary testicular cells and iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells). TOs are capable of supporting the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of spermatogenic cells, simulating the interactions between somatic cells and germ cells, and exhibiting certain endocrine functions. This review mainly discusses the core cell composition, biomaterial scaffolds, current applications, and developmental challenges of TOs. TOs technique not only serves as an essential tool for fundamental research of testicular development and the regulation of the spermatogenic microenvironment, but also opens up broad prospects for applications such as the treatment of male infertility, reproductive toxicity assessment, conservation of endangered species, and drug screening.
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