Reconstituting oogenesis in vitro: recent progress and future prospects

Abstract The oocyte provides the foundation for a totipotent zygote and ensures the inheritance of genetic and epigenetic information to successive generations. Reconstitution of oogenic processes in vitro from pluripotent stem cells provides a versatile experimental platform for refining our understanding of oogenesis, and the technology could provide an alternative source of gametes in reproductive medicine. Here, we review new insights on the regulation of oogenesis, including mechanisms of oogenic fate determination and meiotic initiation, from studies utilizing in vitro germ cell derivation in mice. We also discuss ongoing efforts to extend in vitro oogenesis to other species, including humans, and outstanding areas of research that need to be resolved in order to fully utilize this approach in reproductive medicine.