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Instructing an Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Oocyte Fate: Lessons from Endogenous Oogenesis

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (C.R.N., S.L.C., R.A.R.P.), Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.L.B.), Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California 94305

Correspondence: Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Cory R. Nicholas, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1050 Arastradero Road, Room A225, Palo Alto, California 94304. E-mail: cory2007{at}stanford.edu

Female reproductive potential is limited in the majority of species due to oocyte depletion. Because functional human oocytes are restricted in number and accessibility, a robust system to differentiate oocytes from stem cells would enable a thorough investigation of the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors affecting human oocyte development. Also, the differentiation of functional oocytes from stem cells may permit the success of human somatic cell nuclear transfer for reprogramming studies and for the production of patient-specific embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Thus, ESC-derived oocytes could ultimately help to restore fertility in women. Here, we review endogenous and ESC-derived oocyte development, and we discuss the potential and challenges for differentiating functional oocytes from ESCs.

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