Monash University researchers have developed a process that causes embryonic stem (ES) cells to develop into ovarian structures containing eggs.
The researchers believe the process could in future be used to develop eggs for sterile women that contain the women's own genetic material.
In 2003, international scientists demonstrated that ES cells could spontaneously develop into structures containing eggs when maintained in a culture containing foetal calf serum. However the result has not been able to be replicated.
In response, Dr Orly Lacham-Kaplan from the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories has developed a simple, repeatable system to support the development of ES cells into ovarian structures containing eggs. The system has involved only mouse ES cells.
She presented her findings today at the annual meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology.
"At this stage the eggs obtained from the process are at an early stage of development," Dr Lacham-Kaplan said. "Further studies are required to explore whether they're normal and able to mature and participate in fertilisation and embryo development."
Dr Lacham-Kaplan's ultimate goal is to find ways for infertile couples to have children. "Some people just don't have eggs or sperm and there's little we can do for them except use donor material. The ability to develop eggs in vitro could primarily assist sterile women but could also reduce the ongoing strain on donor egg programs." It could also help create a 'bank' of eggs that could be used for nuclear transfer – where an egg's genetic material is removed and replaced with that of a sterile woman.