Research focus
Our work spans developmental biology, stem cell biology, oncology and reproductive medicine, with three main research lines:
1. Experimental models of human spermatogenesis
We develop advanced in vitro systems to recreate the human testicular microenvironment and follow germ cell development from stem cells to mature gametes:
- Testicular organoids and 3D culture systems
We establish methods in which primary human testicular cells self-organise into testicular organoids – miniaturised, multicellular tissue surrogates that recapitulate key aspects of testis architecture and function. Using a novel three-layer gradient culture system, we are able to generate testicular organoids that support survival, organisation and differentiation of germ and somatic cells, providing a powerful platform to study human spermatogenesis, toxicants and potential therapies. - Scaffolds and extracellular matrix for testis tissue engineering
Together with our collaborators in Belgium and Ireland, we work with decellularised human testicular matrix and other biomaterials to create tissue-specific scaffolds that support germ cell development and reconstitution of the testicular niche. - From pluripotent stem cells and immature germ cells to gametes
The group, together with our collaborators at Karolinska Institutet, has longstanding expertise in differentiating human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells towards the male germ cell lineage, and in driving immature germ cells through later stages of development in vitro.
Our long-term goal is to establish safe and ethically acceptable approaches to generate functional sperm for fertility restoration and disease modelling.
2. Fertility preservation and gonadotoxic late effects
A central theme of our research is to understand how disease and treatment affect testicular development, and how fertility can be preserved in high-risk patients:
- Spermatogonial stem cells in boys with cancer and haematological disease
Our research focuses on quantifying and characterising SSC populations in prepubertal boys with haematological and oncological diseases, and thereby examining how early testicular maturation and stem cell pools are impacted by underlying disease and by prior treatments such as alkylating agents. - Testicular tissue cryopreservation and quality
Within NORDFERTIL, we investigate how best to cryopreserve testicular tissue from prepubertal boys so that SSCs remain viable and capable of later differentiation. This includes comparing cryopreservation protocols, optimising tissue processing and evaluating the functional competence of thawed cells in culture. - In vitro testis models for safety and efficacy
Our in vitro systems (testicular organoids, and testicular organotypic cutlture conditions) are used to test strategies for maturing SSCs, to monitor potential cancer cell contamination in stored tissues, and to define safety and efficacy parameters that would be essential before any future clinical application. - Clinical guidelines and good practice
Group leader Jan-Bernd Stukenborg as board member of Orchid-Net (www.orchid-net.com) contributes to international good practice recommendations on fertility preservation, including ESHRE guidance on fertility preservation involving gonadal tissue.
This ensures that scientific advances feed directly into clinical standards for children and young adults at risk of infertility.
3. Hormonal regulation and the reproductive microenvironment
Fertility is not only about germ cells – it depends on a finely tuned hormonal and cellular niche:
- We study hormonal effects on the male reproductive tract, including how endocrine signals regulate testicular development, and how disturbances contribute to infertility.
- We analyse interactions between Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, immune cells (such as testicular macrophages) and germ cells, and how these interactions shape the stem cell niche and testicular immune environment.