CONDITIONALLY IMMORTALIZED GERM CELL LINES

摘要

The invention relates to immortalized and conditionally immortalized germ cell lines, and in particular to immortalized and conditionally immortalized testicular cell lines. Seminiferous-tubule-like structures can be produced in vitro using the immortalized cell lines of the present invention. Methods of producing such cell lines are also provided as well as methods for the in vitro production of proteins expressed by these cell lines. In a further aspect, the present invention provides methods of controlling the proliferation and differentiation of immortalized germ cells for a variety of purposes, including in vitro fertilization and the production of transgenic mice.