Advancing the Future of Reproductive Technologies: The Formation of Gametes from Fibroblast-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells through in vitro Gametogenesis

Abstract

While Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are widely used as alternatives for people who cannot conceive offspring, many studies have shown the potential of using fibroblasts as an alternative to in vivo gametogenesis (IVG). Fibroblasts can be genetically reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can then further differentiate into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs), the possible precursors of functional gametes. This review examines differentiation pathways, ongoing clinical studies, ethical considerations, the development of test subjects, and future directions of using iPSCs. Therefore, this review evaluates the potential of using skin cells through IVG as a new method of reproductive technology.