![]() In sexually reproducing organisms such as humans, rhinos or mice, primordial germ In sexually reproducing organisms such as humans, rhinos or mice, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are embryonic precursors of sperm and eggs that pass on genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. According to their most recent paper published in the journal "Science Advances," the team has now successfully cultivated primordial germ cells (PGCs) - the precursors of eggs and sperm - from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This could increase the number of individuals in the founder group of a future population to 12 and permit the production of oocytes in much larger quantities. With stem cell associated techniques (SCAT) the BioRescue scientists aim to overcome this bottleneck: By using stored and preserved tissue of rhino skin it should be possible in principle to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPCSs), primordial germ cells and finally artificial gametes. Female Fatu is the only donor of natural oocytes left and frozen sperm is available to the program from only four males - and some of these males are closely related to Fatu. Crucial to embryo production is the availability of oocytes (egg cells) and sperm. ![]() Embryos are destined to be carried to term by southern white rhino surrogate mothers. The scientists of the BioRescue consortium have already produced northern white rhino embryos by in vitro fertilisation of oocytes with sperm. Without a possibility for natural reproduction with only two females left of their kind, the only hope for the northern white rhinoceros lies in advanced assisted reproduction technologies. Thirty-three-year-old Najin and her daughter Fatu are the last surviving northern white rhinos on the planet. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |