Course description
Course type
Advanced
Course description
Mammalian germ cells differentiate into eggs and sperm which fuse to form new. Germline mutations inherited from parents can cause infertility and genetic or epigenetic abnormalities in offspring. Over the last decade, there has been considerable progress in developing gonads ex vivo, with the aim of (re-)creating germline cells stem cells namely pluripotent, embryonic and spermatogonial, particularly in males. Participants will learn about the latest findings on models for studying the origin and early development of germ cells, and how to create human gametes in the lab.
Target audience
Andrologists, urologists, embryologists, reproductive endocrinologists, clinicians in reproductive medicine, and basic scientists in reproductive medicine.
Educational needs and expected educational outcomes
Participants will learn about the latest advances in male and female germ cell development and differentiation, in vitro gametogenesis, and ex vivo gonadal development from animal models and humans. They will gain insights into the ethical issues of germline genome editing.
Innovative aspects
This campus provides an update on germline development and differentiation from in vivo aspects to in vitro models in males and females, including genome editing in germline.
Educational methods
Language
The official language of the course is English.