My research aims to generate oocytes from human iPS cells. I am currently investigating whether ovarian somatic cells derived from iPS cells can promote oocyte maturation. My main interests are in germline cyst formation, meiosis, and primordial follicle formation.
During long-term culture experiments, I observed structures resembling primordial follicles under cytokine-free conditions. These structures appeared to be the most well-formed and largest observed so far, although only a single instance was identified in random sections. This suggests the possibility that more such structures may exist within the entire cell aggregate.
A key factor contributing to this result may have been the change in the iPS cell line used for ovarian somatic cell induction.
Additionally, preliminary findings indicate that the addition of cytokines could enhance the efficiency of primordial follicle-like structure formation. Further validation experiments are planned.
A retrospective review of the literature suggests that cytokine regulation may play a crucial role in the transition from germline cyst formation to cyst breakdown, which is essential for early folliculogenesis.
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