title: Male germ cell development in humans.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Germ cells are unique cells that possess the ability to transmit genetic information between generations. Detailed knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms determining the fate of human male germ cells still remains sparse. This is partially due to ethical issues limiting the access to research material. Therefore, the mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of human male germ cells still remain challenging study objectives.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review focuses on using English articles accessible in PubMed as well as personal files on the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms connected with human testicular germ cell development, maturation failure and the possibility of fertility preservation in patients in whom there is a risk of gonadal failure. However, since rodents, particularly mice, offer the possibility of studying germ cell development by use of genetic modification techniques, some studies using animal models are also discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This mini review focuses on the current knowledge about male germ cells. However, the reader is referred to two previous mini reviews focusing on testicular somatic cells, i.e. on Sertoli cells and Leydig cells.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Jan-Bernd
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Stukenborg
authors.forename: Kristín Rós
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Kjartansdóttir
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reda
authors.forename: Eugenia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colon
authors.forename: Jan Philipp
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Albersmeier
authors.forename: Olle
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Söder
mesh_terms: D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D047108:Embryonic Development; D059247:Fertility Preservation / Q000379:methods; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*