ReviewHuman reproduction open2025
Generating human primordial germ cell-like cells from pluripotent stem cells: a scoping review of
Review in Human reproduction open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Characterization of the metabolome and proteome of stem cell-derived human primordial germ cell-like cells: a multi-omics approach.Biology open · 2026Article
- Protocol of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cell Generation from Pluripotent Stem Cells in 2D and 3D Culture Systems.Biology · 2026Article
- Generation of human primordial germ cell-like cells from cumulus and blood cell-derived isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cells†.Biology of reproduction · 2026Article
- Reprogramming the inactive X chromosome: dynamics and insights from the germline.Biochemical Society transactions · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
study questionHow do the methods and outcomes of established protocols to specify human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) SUMMARY ANSWER: All analyzed protocols were successful in generating hPGCLCs, and a few were able to induce further germ cell maturation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: There are a variety of protocols for generating hPGCLCs STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: For this scoping review, a systematic search for protocols was conducted in the databases Scopus and Web of Science, including publications since 2010. Search terms included human, differentiation/specification/induction, germ cell/oogonia/spermatogonia, and primordial. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING
methodsTwo separate authors performed the database search according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The data regarding the materials and methods as well as results of the included articles were extracted and organized based on protocol (cell type and culture system) and outcome. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A systematic search revealed 32 articles describing the generation of hPGCLCs. Of these, 24 articles contained an original hPGCLC differentiation protocol and 8 articles provided an extension of a previously published protocol. The extension protocols focused either on extending hPGCLC culture or maturing hPGCLCs further. The articles were compared regarding protocol methods and differentiation outcomes. The data showed that differentiation in 2D or 3D, in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) (or retinoic acid), activated the WNT and NODAL signaling pathways to induce hPGCLCs. Further maturation (based on gene expression) was also achieved, depending on the inclusion of subsequent differentiation steps. The 2D culture systems showed high efficiency and scalability, while the 3D culture systems were more suitable for germ cell maturation purposes. Further improvements would include a deeper assessment of epigenetic and gene expression, functional analyses, and use of multiple cell lines to reflect protocol versatility. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Only literature has been compared; no extensive experimental comparison or a meta-analysis was performed due to the heterogeneity in outcome measurements. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
findingsThis review offers a comparison of hPGCLC differentiation protocols and aims to aid researchers in selecting appropriate protocols and making informed modifications to the culture conditions to achieve efficient germ cell differentiation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was funded by ZonMW (PSIDER 10250022120001) and by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (reNEW NNF21CC0073729). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.
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