IVF Experts
The Ultimate Frontier

Unlimited
Differentiation Potential.

Pluripotent stem cells — including induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) — can theoretically become any cell type in the human body, including eggs and sperm. This represents the ultimate frontier of reproductive medicine: in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG), where gametes could be generated from skin cells. Dr. Adnan Jabbar tracks this rapidly advancing field and its implications for fertility through research at The University of Lahore.

Learn About the Future
Pluripotent Stem Cell Research

From Skin to Sperm & Eggs

iPSCs have already been differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells in laboratory settings — the first step toward creating functional gametes.

Types of Pluripotent Stem Cells

iPSCs (Induced Pluripotent)

Created by reprogramming adult somatic cells (e.g., skin fibroblasts) using Yamanaka factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc). This Nobel Prize-winning technology transforms ordinary cells into embryonic-like stem cells — without using actual embryos.

Key Advantage: Patient-specific. iPSCs can be generated from anyone's own cells, creating a perfect immunological match.

ESCs (Embryonic)

Derived from the inner cell mass of blastocyst-stage embryos. The original pluripotent cell line with the most extensive differentiation data. However, their use raises significant ethical considerations that limit clinical application.

Key Limitation: Ethical concerns and limited availability have largely shifted research focus to iPSCs for clinical applications.

In-Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG): The Ultimate Frontier

The ability to create functional eggs and sperm from skin cells would revolutionize fertility medicine — eliminating age-related infertility entirely.

Mouse Achievement

In 2016, Japanese researchers created functional mouse eggs entirely from iPSCs, resulting in live, fertile offspring — proof of concept.

Human Progress

Human iPSCs have been differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells. The next step — functional oocytes and spermatids — remains the focus of active global research.

Clinical Timeline

Experts estimate clinical IVG is 10-20 years away. Dr. Adnan Jabbar monitors this research through collaboration with The University of Lahore to ensure his patients benefit the moment breakthroughs translate to practice.

Ethical Considerations

iPSC Advantage

iPSCs bypass the ethical concerns of embryonic stem cells entirely — they are created from adult somatic cells, not embryos. This makes them the preferred research direction for clinical fertility applications.

Regulatory Framework

As IVG technology advances, new regulatory frameworks will be needed to address the profound biological and societal implications. Dr. Adnan Jabbar advocates for responsible, guideline-driven adoption.

FAQs About Pluripotent Stem Cells

Can pluripotent stem cells create eggs or sperm right now?

Not yet clinically. In mice, functional eggs have been created from iPSCs. In humans, iPSCs have been differentiated into early germ cell precursors. Full human gamete generation remains in the research phase, estimated 10-20 years from clinical application.

What is the difference between pluripotent and multipotent stem cells?

Pluripotent cells can become any cell type in the body (except placental). Multipotent cells (like ADSCs and MSCs) can only become a limited range of related cell types. Pluripotent = unlimited potential. Multipotent = targeted potential.

Are iPSCs being used in fertility clinics today?

Not for direct gamete creation. However, iPSC-derived research is informing current clinical practices, and iPSC technology is used for studying reproductive disease mechanisms, drug screening, and developing new fertility treatments.

The future is being written today.

Dr. Adnan Jabbar ensures his patients benefit the moment laboratory breakthroughs translate to clinical reality.

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