Recent studies show that testicular germ cells resemble very much the much controversial embryonic stem cells. The wonderful thing about embryonic stem cells is this particular type of cell can transform into other specialized cells and so create new tissues, muscles and even organs. Embryonic stem cells are very controversial because their use poses an ethical question, as these cells come from human embryos. Fortunately, the new finds in this field show that adult germ cells found in testicles have the same qualities as embryonic stem cells.

Testicular germ cells are responsible for giving men a life-long supply of sperm and this quality alone gives them the ability to mimic stem cells. The discovery is important because germ cells can become a new source of stem cells, besides human embryos, which can be used in order to cure diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes. Also, stem cells can be used in a number of different ways, the possibilities being quite numerous as stem cells can become any type of cell found in the human body.

The research was conducted by biopsying men between the ages 17 and 81, reproducing the germ cells in laboratory dishes and injecting them in mice. The most exciting thing that happened was the sight of the germ cells growing in colonies that resembled stem cells. When these cells were injected into laboratory mice, they were able to grow cartilage, muscle, nerve cells and there is a possibility of growing an entire new organ. Though the research is far from completed, there are good signs on the horizon and if germ cells prove to be as good as stem cells, medicine will have made a big step forward.