The aim of our study is to be the first in the world to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into neuroendocrine kisspeptin neurons, which regulate puberty and the reproductive system. With the help of hPSC-derived kisspeptin neurons, we expect to find out which factors trigger puberty and why some patients with rare genetic diseases do not have puberty at all. In our project, we utilize the latest methods in stem cell biology, which enables the identification of key factors in the development of kisspeptin neurons and the elucidation of their function. Kisspeptin neurons would also make it possible to find out the causes for global decline of sperm counts, and to elucidate causes of anovulatory infertility. Other potential applications of our expected results include the development of male hormonal contraception and drug screening for hormone-dependent cancers.

2025

2029