Outline

The decline in fertility resulting from gamete malfunction causes serious issues in medicine, industry, and the environment. For example, the decline in fertility due to human aging and cancer treatment is a factor contributing to low birth rates, and the decline in the fertility of large livestock continues to generate enormous economic losses. In addition, the effects of artificial insemination for endangered species, aimed at resisting the rapid loss of genetic diversity, are limited.

To address these issues, it is essential to develop an alternative type of assisted reproductive technology (ART), termed Next-Generation ART. This technology will include the reconstitution of germ cell development in culture, which provides mature gametes and their precursors in a dish, the identification of chemicals that enhance gamete function, and the efficient cryopreservation of germ cell lineages and reproductive tissues.

Through this research project, we aim to cultivate young researchers and establish a foundation for Japan to play a leading international role in this field over the long term.

With this research grant, Japanese researchers with unique cutting-edge technologies for culturing germ cell lineages and gonads of experimental animals will form networks with overseas researchers who possess diverse mammalian cell resources and breeding techniques. The international teams will collaborate to develop culture techniques that reproduce gamete formation in various animals, including humans. Furthermore, utilizing these culture techniques, we will establish a research system to explore and identify small molecules that enhance gamete function. We will also construct a network that takes on a responsible role in managing a germ cell and reproductive tissue bank with efficient cryopreservation technology.