Clinical Research Directory

Establishment of a Primary Epididymal Cell Model From Epididymal Samples to Study CFTR Gene Regulation

The aim of this observational study is to better understand the role and involvement of the regulatory elements of the CFTR gene, with the aim of better describing the 3D organisation of chromatin at the CFTR locus in epididymal cells in patients with male infertility of any kind, or with cystic fibrosis or bilateral agenesis of the vas deferens, requiring scheduled surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * to better characterise this 3D organisation of the CFTR locus, the study of regulatory elements in primary epididymal cells is the most relevant and realistic model. * to gain a better understanding of the regulation of the CFTR gene in epididymal cells in order to gain a better understanding of the pathology of male infertility caused by bilateral agenesis of the vas deferens, a symptom and also a borderline form of cystic fibrosis. Participants will Epididymal samples will be taken by a urologist for the AMP department during the planned surgery. The rest of the samples taken will be recovered for research purposes, with the aim of recovering the epididymal cells contained in the sample. This is in no way an additional procedure and will have no impact on the patient's health..

Spermatogonial Differentiation Via Testicular Organoid

Purpose: This clinical trial aims to explore the potential for human sperm production in vitro by sustaining a laboratory-cultured adult testicular environment. It also seeks to identify genetic factors contributing to human sterility and failed spermatogenesis. The study's primary objectives include: 1. Identifying genomic markers associated with sterility and failed spermatogenesis. 2. Developing an ex vivo (outside the body) testis "organ-on-a-chip" ("iTestis") to support stem cell cultivation. 3. Determining whether human spermatogenesis can be re-created in vitro using stem cells nurtured in the iTestis model. Study Description: Researchers will analyze the genomic profiles of fertile and sterile male participants to map genetic abnormalities associated with sterility. Using testicular and skin tissue samples from participants, spermatogonial stem cells and pluripotent stem cells will be isolated and utilized to construct the ex vivo iTestis. This system will integrate genomic insights and prior research to foster human spermatogenesis outside the body. Participant Involvement: Participants will provide the following samples: * Blood sample for serum analysis. * A skin tissue biopsy. * Testicular tissue, obtained through fine needle aspiration (FNA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE), as part of a routine procedure. All procedures will be conducted by the principal investigator and qualified research staff, ensuring participant safety and adherence to ethical guidelines.