SSR Experimental Methods in Reproduction Webinar Series

Synchronizing spermatogenesis in the mouse

Speakers:
Michael Griswold, PhD, Washington State University
Cathryn Hogarth, PhD, Washington State University

Description:
Dr. Griswold and Dr. Hogarth discuss the synchronization of spermatogenesis by manipulating retinoic acid. Attendees will learn how the availability is an advantage for molecular studies of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium and for isolation of germ and Sertoli cells at different stages of development.

Abstract: 
The formation of spermatozoa starts with a germ-line stem cell creating a pool of progenitor cells or undifferentiated spermatogonia. There is a requirement for these progenitor cells to be stimulated by retinoic acid (RA) to enter differentiation and ultimately form spermatocytes, undergo meiosis, form spermatids, and ultimately spermatozoa. After the stimulation by RA, which occurs at sites in the seminiferous tubules, it takes ~35 days to complete this complex process. As a result, the adult testis contains germ cells in all possible states of differentiation, and the isolation of individual cell types or study of functional aspects of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium is very difficult. We describe the use of WIN 18 446—an inhibitor of RA synthesis followed by injection of RA as a mechanism for the synchronization of spermatogenesis to one to three stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. The result is that only one to four germ cell types are prevalent during the first wave of spermatogenesis. In the adult only a predictable few stages of the cycle are present throughout the entire testis enriching the targeted cells or stages of the cycle.

Serial sampling of epididymal sperm in mice

Speakers:
Gonzalo Moreno Del Val, PhD, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche

Description:
Mice are the most commonly used animal model for studying human disease. However, in the reproductive biology area, its use has always presented the problem of obtaining in vivo sperm samples. The technique described in this webinar allows the serial extraction of sperm samples, facilitating the use of the mouse as a research tool.

Abstract: 
Coming soon! 

Recapitulating folliculogenesis and oogenesis outside the body: encapsulated in vitro follicle growth

Speakers:
Francesca Duncan, PhD, Northwestern University
Farners Amargant, PhD, Northwestern University
Aubrey Converse, PhD, Northwestern University
Emily Zaniker, BS, Northwestern University

Description:
The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary consisting of the oocyte and its surrounding companion granulosa cells. The processes of folliculogenesis and oogenesis are essential for the development of high quality gametes that can be fertilized and give rise to the next generation. Remarkably, these complex biological events can be fully recapitulated in vivo. In this webinar, we will describe a method of follicle culture that relies on encapsulation of isolated follicles in alginate hydrogels. This encapsulated in vitro follicle growth (eIVFG) system has been used successfully across multiple species, has provided unprecedented insights into follicle development and ovulation, and been applied to diverse contexts including modeling of ovarian physiology and pathology, fertility preservation, drug discovery and screening, toxicology assays, and beyond.

Abstract: 
Coming soon!