WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US researchers reported Thursday they have derived spermatogonial stem cells from mice, cultured them in vitro, and successfully used these cells to produce an infant mouse.

The researchers predict these findings could lead to easier ways to genetically manipulate animals, and they expect the method to easily transfer to humans.

"This advance opens up an exciting range of possibilities for future research, from developing new treatments for male infertility to enhancing the survival of endangered species," said Dr. Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which funded the study.

The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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