title: Derivation and characterization of a cytocompatible scaffold from human testis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Is it possible to derive a scaffold from human testis for the purpose of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We developed a method to produce a cytocompatible decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) while maintaining the native tissue-specific characteristics and components.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The potential benefits of tissue-specific scaffolds consisting of naturally-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) have been demonstrated using a wide variety of animal and human tissue sources. However, so far, testis scaffolds have never been considered for constructive remodelling purposes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human cadaveric testicular tissue was exposed for 24 or 48 h to 1% Triton X-100 and/or 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Acellular samples were used for further scaffold characterization purposes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The extent of decellularization was evaluated by histology. Confirmation of cell removal in DTM was done by a DNA quantification technique. Retention of testicular tissue-specific characteristics was evaluated by mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry, Alcian blue staining and scanning electron microscopy. Soluble toxicity and testicular cell attachment was assessed to check the cytocompatibility of DTM scaffolds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histological analysis showed that DTM could be obtained by mechanical agitation in 1% SDS for 24 h. The resulting DTM was found to be clear of cells while retaining the typical three-dimensional structure and the major components of the native tissue scaffold, including collagen type I and IV, fibronectin, laminin and glycosaminoglycans. In addition, using proteomic analysis, we revealed numerous additional ECM proteins in DTM, indicating its complex nature. The mass spectrometry data were deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001524. Importantly, we demonstrated that DTM scaffolds are not cytotoxic, as evidenced by MTT assay not showing an aberrant fibroblast proliferation activity after indirect exposure, and support testicular cell attachment and infiltration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The functionality of human testicular cells in DTM needs to be investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that the insights into the molecular composition of the testicular ECM provide new clues for the unravelling of its important yet poorly understood role in regulating testicular function, and DTM-based bioscaffolds are promising components for the development of human in vitro spermatogenesis as a treatment for various types of male fertility disorders.
authors.affiliation: Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium yoni.baert@vub.ac.be.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Baert
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: J-B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Stukenborg
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landreh
authors.affiliation: Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Kock
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jörnvall
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Q2:08, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Söder
authors.affiliation: Biology of the Testis, Research Laboratory for Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Goossens
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium; D002102:Cadaver; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009919:Orchiectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins
keywords: decellularization; extracellular matrix; mass spectrometry; scaffold; testis