Isolation, characterization and propagation of germline stem cells

摘要

Methods are provided for the isolation, characterization and propogation of germline cells stem cells from fetal and adult mammals. Additionally, isolated populations of germ line cells having different phenotypes are disclosed wherein the subpopulations are capable of forming long-term cultures of multipotent or pluripotent cells or are capable of differentiating into mature germline cells and repopulating a sterile reproductive organ. The multipotent or pluripotent germline cells are also suitable for differentiation into tissue-specific somatic cells for therapeutic purposes.