The NWO Science Board has approved twenty-one grant applications within the Open Competition Domain Science-M programme. The Science-M grants are intended for innovative, high-quality fundamental research and for studies that address matters of scientific urgency. Among the selected projects is Towards fully functional human testicular organoids, led by Prof. Dr. Ans van Pelt (AR&D-affiliate) and Dr. Callista Mulder (AR&D affiliate) of Amsterdam UMC and Prof. Dr. Ellen Goossens of Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
The project addresses a major challenge in reproductive health: in more than half of all cases, the cause of male infertility remains unknown. While environmental factors are thought to play an important role, research in this field is still limited. Current toxicology studies largely depend on animal models, underlining the need for reliable human in vitro alternatives.
Testicular organoids offer a promising new approach. In mouse models, these organoids have already shown the ability to support sperm formation. Early human testicular organoids, developed using prepubertal or transgender testis tissue, have also demonstrated encouraging structural development. The aim of this new project is to take the next step: developing fully functional human testicular organoids.
These organoids could become an important tool for toxicology research, while also improving our understanding of sperm formation and the underlying causes of male infertility. In the longer term, they may support drug discovery and help advance safer, more effective treatments, including improved cancer therapies.