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Ledesma AV, Van Eenennaam AL. Global status of gene edited animals for agricultural applications. Vet J 2024; 305:106142. [PMID: 38788996 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing (GnEd) involves using a site-directed nuclease to introduce a double-strand break (DSB) at a targeted location in the genome. A literature search was performed on the use of GnEd in animals for agricultural applications. Data was extracted from 212 peer-reviewed articles that described the production of at least one living animal employing GnEd technologies for agricultural purposes. The most common GnEd system reported was CRISPR/Cas9, and the most frequent type of edit was the unguided insertion or deletion resulting from the repair of the targeted DSB leading to a knock-out (KO) mutation. Animal groups included in the reviewed papers were ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, n=63); monogastrics (pigs and rabbits, n=60); avian (chicken, duck, quail, n=17); aquatic (many species, n=65), and insects (honeybee, silkworm, n=7). Yield (32%), followed by reproduction (21%) and disease resistance (17%) were the most commonly targeted traits. Over half of the reviewed papers had Chinese first-authorship. Several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia and Japan, have adopted a regulatory policy that considers KO mutations introduced following GnEd DSB repair as akin to natural genetic variation, and therefore treat these GnEd animals analogously to those produced using conventional breeding. This approach has resulted in a non-GMO determination for a small number of GnEd food animal applications, including three species of GnEd KO fast-growing fish, (red sea bream, olive flounder and tiger pufferfish in Japan), KO fish and cattle in Argentina and Brazil, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus disease-resistant KO pigs in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba V Ledesma
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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2
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Kebede FG, Derks MFL, Dessie T, Hanotte O, Barros CP, Crooijmans RPMA, Komen H, Bastiaansen JWM. Landscape genomics reveals regions associated with adaptive phenotypic and genetic variation in Ethiopian indigenous chickens. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:284. [PMID: 38500079 PMCID: PMC10946127 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is a threat to sustainable livestock production and livelihoods in the tropics. It has adverse impacts on feed and water availability, disease prevalence, production, environmental temperature, and biodiversity. Unravelling the drivers of local adaptation and understanding the underlying genetic variation in random mating indigenous livestock populations informs the design of genetic improvement programmes that aim to increase productivity and resilience. In the present study, we combined environmental, genomic, and phenotypic information of Ethiopian indigenous chickens to investigate their environmental adaptability. Through a hybrid sampling strategy, we captured wide biological and ecological variabilities across the country. Our environmental dataset comprised mean values of 34 climatic, vegetation and soil variables collected over a thirty-year period for 260 geolocations. Our biological dataset included whole genome sequences and quantitative measurements (on eight traits) from 513 individuals, representing 26 chicken populations spread along 4 elevational gradients (6-7 populations per gradient). We performed signatures of selection analyses ([Formula: see text] and XP-EHH) to detect footprints of natural selection, and redundancy analyses (RDA) to determine genotype-environment and genotype-phenotype-associations. RDA identified 1909 outlier SNPs linked with six environmental predictors, which have the highest contributions as ecological drivers of adaptive phenotypic variation. The same method detected 2430 outlier SNPs that are associated with five traits. A large overlap has been observed between signatures of selection identified by[Formula: see text]and XP-EHH showing that both methods target similar selective sweep regions. Average genetic differences measured by [Formula: see text] are low between gradients, but XP-EHH signals are the strongest between agroecologies. Genes in the calcium signalling pathway, those associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors, and sports performance (GALNTL6) are under selection in high-altitude populations. Our study underscores the relevance of landscape genomics as a powerful interdisciplinary approach to dissect adaptive phenotypic and genetic variation in random mating indigenous livestock populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasil Getachew Kebede
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands.
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Martijn F L Derks
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - Tadelle Dessie
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Olivier Hanotte
- International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Carolina Pita Barros
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - Richard P M A Crooijmans
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Komen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
| | - John W M Bastiaansen
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, PB-6708, The Netherlands
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3
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Sudderick ZR, Glover JD. Periodic pattern formation during embryonic development. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:75-88. [PMID: 38288903 PMCID: PMC10903485 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During embryonic development many organs and structures require the formation of series of repeating elements known as periodic patterns. Ranging from the digits of the limb to the feathers of the avian skin, the correct formation of these embryonic patterns is essential for the future form and function of these tissues. However, the mechanisms that produce these patterns are not fully understood due to the existence of several modes of pattern generation which often differ between organs and species. Here, we review the current state of the field and provide a perspective on future approaches to studying this fundamental process of embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe R. Sudderick
- The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - James D. Glover
- The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
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Blank MH, Kawaoku AJT, Rui BR, Carreira ACO, Hamilton TRDS, Goissis MD, Pereira RJG. Successful xenotransplantation of testicular cells following fractionated chemotherapy of recipient birds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3085. [PMID: 38321093 PMCID: PMC10847125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
An essential step in the success of germ cell transplantation is the preparation of the recipient's testicular environment to increase the availability of stem cell niches. However, most methods for this purpose in birds face serious limitations such as partial germ cell depletion, high toxicity and mortality, or the need to use expensive technologies. Here, we validated a simple and practical technique of transferring quail testicular cells into chicken testes depleted of endogenous spermatozoa by fractioned chemotherapy (20 mg/kg/week busulfan for 5 weeks). This protocol resulted in a very low mortality of the treated day-old chicks and, despite maintenance of androgenic activity, sperm production was decreased by 84.3% at 25 weeks of age. NANOG immunostaining revealed that very few to no germ cells were present following treatment with 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. RT-qPCR data also showed that c-MYC and NANOG expression declined in these treatments, but GRFα1 and BID expressions remained unaltered among groups. After xenotransplantation, quail germ cells were immunodetected in chicken testes using a species-specific antibody (QCPN), and quail ovalbumin DNA was found in seminal samples collected from chicken recipients. Together, these data confirm that fractionated administration of busulfan in hatchlings is a practical, effective, and safe protocol to prepare recipient male birds capable of supporting xenogeneic spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Henrique Blank
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Bruno Rogério Rui
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (NUCEL), Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100, São Paulo, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Thais Rose Dos Santos Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Demarchi Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Garcia Pereira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 255, Pirassununga, SP , CEP 13635-900, Brazil.
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Niu YJ, Ren W, Liu G, Jin K, Zheng D, Zuo Q, Zhang Y, Cui XS, Chen G, Li B. Clonally derived chicken primordial germ cell lines maintain biological characteristics and proliferative potential in long-term culture. Theriogenology 2024; 215:67-77. [PMID: 38011785 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) are important cells with significant implications in preserving genetic resources, chicken breeding and production, and basic research on genetics and development. Currently, chicken PGCs can be cultured long-term in vitro to produce single-cell clones. However, systematic exploration of the cellular characteristics of these single-cell clonal lines has yet to be conducted. In this study, single-cell clonal lines were established from male and female PGCs of Rugao Yellow Chicken and Shouguang Black Chicken, respectively, using a micropipette-based method for single-cell isolation and culture. Analysis of glycogen granule staining, mRNA expression of pluripotency marker genes (POUV, SOX2, NANOG), germ cell marker genes (DAZL, CVH), and SSEA-1, EMA-1, SOX2, C-KIT, and CVH protein expression showed positive results, indicating that PGCs maintain normal cellular properties after single-cell cloning. Furthermore, tests on proliferation ability and gene expression levels in PGC single-cell clonal lines showed high expression of the pluripotency-related genes and TERT compared to control PGCs, and PGC single-cell clonal lines demonstrated higher proliferation ability. Finally, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-PGC single-cell clonal lines were established, and it was found that these single-cell clonal lines could still migrate into the gonads of recipients, suggesting their potential for germ-line transmission. This study systematically validated the normal cellular characteristics of PGC single-cell clonal lines, indicating that they could be applied in genetic modification research on chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jie Niu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Wenjie Ren
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guangzheng Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zheng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Guohong Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bichun Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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Chuang EYS, Wellmann R, Meijboom FLB, Tetens J, Bennewitz J. Simulation of dual-purpose chicken breeding programs implementing gene editing. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:7. [PMID: 38233762 PMCID: PMC10795215 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-023-00874-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of being controversial and raising ethical concerns, the application of gene editing is more likely to be accepted when it contributes to improving animal welfare. One of the animal welfare and ethical issues in chicken breeding is chick culling, the killing of the male layer chicks after hatching due to the poor fattening performance. Although establishing dual-purpose chicken lines could solve this problem, unfavorable genetic correlations between egg and meat production traits hindered their competitiveness. Although it is also controversial in ethical terms, gene editing may accelerate genetic progress in dual-purpose chicken and alleviate the ethical concerns from chick culling. RESULTS The simulation compared the utility improvement in dual-purpose use under two breeding schemes: one consisting in the improvement of the laying hens, and the second in the improvement of a synthetic line obtained from a layer broiler cross. In each breeding scheme, the breeding programs were simulated with and without gene editing. Polygenic breeding values and 500 simulated quantitative trait loci (QTL) with different levels of pleiotropy caused negative correlations between egg production, meat production, and overall health. The results of the simulation demonstrated that genetic gain could be accelerated by at most 81% for several generations if gene editing was used. The actual increase in genetic gain depended on the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) being edited per animal. The rate of genetic improvement became equal in scenarios with and without gene editing after 20 generations. This is because the remaining segregating QTL had small effects and their edition would have negative overall health effects from potential off-target edits. Although gene editing can improve genetic gain in quantitative traits, it can only be recommended as long as QTL with reasonable effect sizes are segregating and detectable. CONCLUSIONS This simulation demonstrates the potential of gene editing to accelerate the simultaneous improvement of negatively correlated traits. When the risk of negative consequences from gene editing persists, the number of SNPs to be edited should be chosen carefully to obtain the optimal genetic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Y S Chuang
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Robin Wellmann
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Franck L B Meijboom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Sustainable Animal Stewardship, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CJ, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Wu Z, Shih B, Macdonald J, Meunier D, Hogan K, Chintoan-Uta C, Gilhooley H, Hu T, Beltran M, Henderson NC, Sang HM, Stevens MP, McGrew MJ, Balic A. Development and function of chicken XCR1 + conventional dendritic cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1273661. [PMID: 37954617 PMCID: PMC10634274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1273661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that play a central role in linking innate and adaptive immunity. cDCs have been well described in a number of different mammalian species, but remain poorly characterised in the chicken. In this study, we use previously described chicken cDC specific reagents, a novel gene-edited chicken line and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to characterise chicken splenic cDCs. In contrast to mammals, scRNAseq analysis indicates that the chicken spleen contains a single, chemokine receptor XCR1 expressing, cDC subset. By sexual maturity the XCR1+ cDC population is the most abundant mononuclear phagocyte cell subset in the chicken spleen. scRNAseq analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity within the chicken splenic XCR1+ cDC population. Immature MHC class II (MHCII)LOW XCR1+ cDCs expressed a range of viral resistance genes. Maturation to MHCIIHIGH XCR1+ cDCs was associated with reduced expression of anti-viral gene expression and increased expression of genes related to antigen presentation via the MHCII and cross-presentation pathways. To visualise and transiently ablate chicken XCR1+ cDCs in situ, we generated XCR1-iCaspase9-RFP chickens using a CRISPR-Cas9 knockin transgenesis approach to precisely edit the XCR1 locus, replacing the XCR1 coding region with genes for a fluorescent protein (TagRFP), and inducible Caspase 9. After inducible ablation, the chicken spleen is initially repopulated by immature CD1.1+ XCR1+ cDCs. XCR1+ cDCs are abundant in the splenic red pulp, in close association with CD8+ T-cells. Knockout of XCR1 prevented this clustering of cDCs with CD8+ T-cells. Taken together these data indicate a conserved role for chicken and mammalian XCR1+ cDCs in driving CD8+ T-cells responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguang Wu
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Shih
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Joni Macdonald
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique Meunier
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Kris Hogan
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hazel Gilhooley
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Tuanjun Hu
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Beltran
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil C. Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Helen M. Sang
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Mark P. Stevens
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. McGrew
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Balic
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Ye L, Liu X, Jin K, Niu Y, Zuo Q, Song J, Han W, Chen G, Li B. Effects of Insulin on Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis in Primordial Germ Cells via PI3K-AKT-mTOR Signaling Pathway. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1975. [PMID: 37895324 PMCID: PMC10606282 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are essential for the genetic modification, resource conservation, and recovery of endangered breeds in chickens and need to remain viable and proliferative in vitro. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate the functions of the influencing factors and their regulatory mechanisms. In this study, PGCs collected from Rugao yellow chicken embryonic eggs at Day 5.5 were cultured in media containing 0, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL insulin. The results showed that insulin regulates cell proliferation in PGCs in a dose-dependent way, with an optimal dose of 10 μg/mL. Insulin mediates the mRNA expression of cell cycle-, apoptosis-, and ferroptosis-related genes. Insulin at 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL slowed down the proliferation with elevated ion content and GSH/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in PGCs compared to 10 μg/mL. In addition, insulin activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway dose dependently. Collectively, this study demonstrates that insulin reduces apoptosis and ferroptosis and enhances cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in PGCs, providing a new addition to the theory of the regulatory role of the growth and proliferation of PGC in vitro cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yingjie Niu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qisheng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- Animal & Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MA 20742, USA;
| | - Wei Han
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Poultry Institute of Jiangsu, Yangzhou 225003, China;
| | - Guohong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Bichun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding Reproduction and Molecular Design for Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (L.Y.); (X.L.); (K.J.); (Y.N.); (Q.Z.)
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
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Blackburn HD, Azevedo HC, Purdy PH. Incorporation of Biotechnologies into Gene Banking Strategies to Facilitate Rapid Reconstitution of Populations. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3169. [PMID: 37893893 PMCID: PMC10603745 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
National animal gene banks that are responsible for conserving livestock, poultry, and aquatic genetic resources need to be capable of utilizing a broad array of cryotechnologies coupled with assisted reproductive technologies to reconstitute either specific animals or populations/breeds as needed. This capability is predicated upon having sufficient genetic diversity (usually encapsulated by number of animals in the collection), units of germplasm or tissues, and the ability to reconstitute animals. While the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2012, 2023) developed a set of guidelines for gene banks on these matters, those guidelines do not consider applications and utilization of newer technologies (e.g., primordial germ cells, cloning from somatic cells, embryo transfer, IVF, sex-sorted semen), which can radically change how gene banks collect, store, and utilize genetic resources. This paper reviews the current status of using newer technologies, explores how gene banks might make such technologies part of their routine operations, and illustrates how combining newer assisted reproductive technologies with older approaches enables populations to be reconstituted more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey D. Blackburn
- USDA ARS National Animal Germplasm Program, 1111 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, CO 80521-4500, USA
| | | | - Phillip H. Purdy
- USDA ARS National Animal Germplasm Program, 1111 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, CO 80521-4500, USA
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10
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Idoko-Akoh A, Goldhill DH, Sheppard CM, Bialy D, Quantrill JL, Sukhova K, Brown JC, Richardson S, Campbell C, Taylor L, Sherman A, Nazki S, Long JS, Skinner MA, Shelton H, Sang HM, Barclay WS, McGrew MJ. Creating resistance to avian influenza infection through genome editing of the ANP32 gene family. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6136. [PMID: 37816720 PMCID: PMC10564915 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chickens genetically resistant to avian influenza could prevent future outbreaks. In chickens, influenza A virus (IAV) relies on host protein ANP32A. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 to generate homozygous gene edited (GE) chickens containing two ANP32A amino acid substitutions that prevent viral polymerase interaction. After IAV challenge, 9/10 edited chickens remain uninfected. Challenge with a higher dose, however, led to breakthrough infections. Breakthrough IAV virus contained IAV polymerase gene mutations that conferred adaptation to the edited chicken ANP32A. Unexpectedly, this virus also replicated in chicken embryos edited to remove the entire ANP32A gene and instead co-opted alternative ANP32 protein family members, chicken ANP32B and ANP32E. Additional genome editing for removal of ANP32B and ANP32E eliminated all viral growth in chicken cells. Our data illustrate a first proof of concept step to generate IAV-resistant chickens and show that multiple genetic modifications will be required to curtail viral escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alewo Idoko-Akoh
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Daniel H Goldhill
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Carol M Sheppard
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ksenia Sukhova
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan C Brown
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ciara Campbell
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lorna Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adrian Sherman
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jason S Long
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, UK
| | - Michael A Skinner
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Helen M Sang
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Mike J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
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11
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Chaipipat S, Sritabtim K, Piyasanti Y, Prukudom S, Jurutha J, Phetpila V, Sinsiri R, Kammongkun J, Molee A, Thiangtum K, Siripattarapravat K. Initiative on Avian Primordial Germ Cell Cryobanking in Thailand. Biopreserv Biobank 2023; 21:458-466. [PMID: 36169626 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Biobanking the reproductive tissues or cells of animals preserves the genetic and reproductive ability of the species in long-term storage and promotes sharing of reproductive materials. In avian species, the primordial germ cell (PGC) is one of the most promising reproductive cells to be preserved in biobanks, due to self-renewal properties and direct access to the germ line mediated by PGC transfer. Methods: To conserve the genetic resource of local chicken breeds that are of conservation importance, we systematically isolated two types of pregonadal PGCs from chicken embryos-circulating and tissue PGCs. PGCs of individual embryos were separately isolated, cultured, and cryopreserved. Characteristics of cultured PGCs are described and evaluated. Results: The efficiency of PGC isolation from individual embryos was 98.9% (660/667). In most cases, both matching circulating and tissue PGC lines were isolated from the same embryo (68.2%, 450/660), whereas the remaining lines were from a single source, being either tissue (30.6%, 202/660) or circulating (1.2%, 8/660). Efficient PGC isolation and proliferation can be expected in cultures of circulating PGCs (68.7% and 64.3%, respectively) and tissue PGCs (97.8% and 80.7%, respectively). Following cryopreservation, recovered cells sustained PGC identities including expression of chicken vasa homolog and deleted in azoospermia-like proteins and migration ability to recipient embryonic gonads. Culture conditions equally supported proliferation of circulating and tissue PGCs from both sexes. Combining tissue PGC culture in the regimen prevented 30.3% loss of PGC cultures in the case where circulating PGC culture was ineffective. Cultured circulating and tissue PGCs were similar in morphology, but optimal culture characteristics were different. Conclusion: We applied the approach of PGC isolation from blood and tissue origins on a wide scale and demonstrated its efficiency for biobanking chicken PGCs. The workflow can be operated effectively almost year-round in a tropical climate. It was also described in ample and practical details, which are suitable for adoption or optimization in other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparat Chaipipat
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kornkanok Sritabtim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanika Piyasanti
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sukumal Prukudom
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juthathip Jurutha
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vimolrat Phetpila
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rungthiwa Sinsiri
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bangkhen Campus, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jennarong Kammongkun
- Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Genetic Improvement, Department of Livestock Development, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Amonrat Molee
- School of Animal Technology and Innovation, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Khongsak Thiangtum
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Kannika Siripattarapravat
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bangkhen Campus, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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12
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Chen YC, Saito D, Suzuki T, Takemoto T. An inducible germ cell ablation chicken model for high-grade germline chimeras. Development 2023; 150:dev202079. [PMID: 37665168 PMCID: PMC10560566 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Chicken embryos are a powerful and widely used animal model in developmental biology studies. Since the development of CRISPR technology, gene-edited chickens have been generated by transferring primordial germ cells (PGCs) into recipients after genetic modifications. However, low inheritance caused by competition between host germ cells and the transferred cells is a common complication and greatly reduces production efficiency. Here, we generated a gene-edited chicken, in which germ cells can be ablated in a drug-dependent manner, as recipients for gene-edited PGC transfer. We used the nitroreductase/metronidazole (NTR/Mtz) system for cell ablation, in which nitroreductase produces cytotoxic alkylating agents from administered metronidazole, causing cell apoptosis. The chicken Vasa homolog (CVH) gene locus was used to drive the expression of the nitroreductase gene in a germ cell-specific manner. In addition, a fluorescent protein gene, mCherry, was also placed in the CVH locus to visualize the PGCs. We named this system 'germ cell-specific autonomous removal induction' (gSAMURAI). gSAMURAI chickens will be an ideal recipient to produce offspring derived from transplanted exogenous germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Chen
- Division of Research and Development, Setsuro Tech Inc., Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Laboratory for Embryology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Daisuke Saito
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Takemoto
- Division of Research and Development, Setsuro Tech Inc., Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Laboratory for Embryology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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13
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Blackburn HD, Krehbiel BC. A gene bank's collection of genetic diversity among minor chicken breeds. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102827. [PMID: 37343351 PMCID: PMC10404745 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic differences among heritage or fancier breeds of chickens have not been quantified in the United States. Gene banks collecting germplasm for conserving these breeds need this information as do breeders and companies raising them. Our goal was to evaluate genetic diversity of 10 heritage/fancier chicken breeds that are a component of the national collection and to use this information to establish a baseline of their genetic diversity and future conservation efforts. Breeds could be broadly classified as European, Asian, Mediterranean, and United States (US) in origin. The US breeds were composite breeds developed between the 1849 and 1935. Animals (n = 24-31 per breed) were sampled for DNA analysis from 2 or 3 hatcheries per breed and a total of 8 hatcheries. The hatcheries were assumed to maintain and breed their own populations of the studied breeds. Effective population sizes ranged from 47 to 145 and used to estimate probabilities of extinction for a 50-generation timeline. It was determined that Crevecoeur and Aseel had a probability of extinction that exceeded 40%, the remaining 8 breeds had probabilities of <28%. ADMIXTURE analysis indicated the minimal CV corresponded to 9 populations. In that analysis New Hampshire and Rhode Island Red were classified as the same population, which was not unusual given that New Hampshire was developed as a subpopulation of Rhode Island Red. Crevecoeur and Buttercup were the 2 most genetically divergent breeds based on pairwise Fst among the breeds and principal component analysis, which was supported by the ADMIXTURE results. Inbreeding coefficients computed from genomic information was lowest for Crevecoeur, Rhode Island Red, Buttercup, and Andalusian (0.8-2.6%), while New Hampshire, Buckeye, and Aseel were highest (12.8-14.3%). Within breed Fst among hatcheries supplying animals for sampling generally indicated a genetic structure was present on a breed-by-breed basis. Genetic relationships within hatchery were also computed for each breed. Several of the hatcheries had sent samples that suggested genetic relationships as high as half-sibs while several others had genetic relationships closer to first cousins. We conclude that the chicken breeds evaluated have substantial genetic variability within the in situ populations and the gene bank has captured this diversity for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Blackburn
- National Animal Germplasm Program, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - B C Krehbiel
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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14
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Yang H, Ock SA, Lee S, Park MR, Kim S, No J, Oh KB, Wi H, Jung SK, Jo YJ, Lee BR, Lee M, Byun SJ. Mortality, growth, and egg production do not differ between nontransgenic and transgenic female chickens with ubiquitous expression of the 3D8 single chain variable fragment gene. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102802. [PMID: 37307631 PMCID: PMC10276288 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, many transgenic (TG) chicken lines have been developed, but few studies have performed a comparative analysis of their mortality, growth, and egg productivity. Previously, we reported the production of 3D8 scFv TG chickens showing antiviral activity. Here, we performed a biometric characterization of TG offspring female chickens. We selected 40 TG and 40 non-TG offspring female chicks among newly hatched chicks produced via artificial insemination of semen from heterotypic 3D8 scFv males into wild-type female chickens. Serum was collected at 14 wk of age, and serum concentrations of biochemical parameters, cytokines, and sex hormones were analyzed. Mortality and growth were monitored daily from 1 to 34 wk, egg productivity was monitored daily from 20 to 34 wk, and the weekly average values were used for analyses. Some serum parameters and cytokines were significantly different between non-TG and TG offspring female chickens. The levels of phosphorus (PHOS), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly higher in non-TG chickens (P < 0.05). The levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly higher in TG chickens (P < 0.05). The levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), interferon-gamma (INF-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-8 were significantly lower in TG chickens (P < 0.05). Despite these differences, the mortality rates, body weight, egg production rates, and egg weight were not significantly different in the experimental groups of non-TG and TG offspring female chickens (P > 0.05). In conclusion, ubiquitous expression of the 3D8 scFv gene in TG offspring female chickens does not affect some biometric characteristics, including mortality, growth, and egg productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Yang
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun A Ock
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghoon Lee
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ryung Park
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokho Kim
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jingu No
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Bong Oh
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hayeon Wi
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Keun Jung
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jin Jo
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Ram Lee
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Minguk Lee
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung June Byun
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Kim YM, Woo SJ, Han JY. Strategies for the Generation of Gene Modified Avian Models: Advancement in Avian Germline Transmission, Genome Editing, and Applications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040899. [PMID: 37107658 PMCID: PMC10137648 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian models are valuable for studies of development and reproduction and have important implications for food production. Rapid advances in genome-editing technologies have enabled the establishment of avian species as unique agricultural, industrial, disease-resistant, and pharmaceutical models. The direct introduction of genome-editing tools, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, into early embryos has been achieved in various animal taxa. However, in birds, the introduction of the CRISPR system into primordial germ cells (PGCs), a germline-competent stem cell, is considered a much more reliable approach for the development of genome-edited models. After genome editing, PGCs are transplanted into the embryo to establish germline chimera, which are crossed to produce genome-edited birds. In addition, various methods, including delivery by liposomal and viral vectors, have been employed for gene editing in vivo. Genome-edited birds have wide applications in bio-pharmaceutical production and as models for disease resistance and biological research. In conclusion, the application of the CRISPR system to avian PGCs is an efficient approach for the production of genome-edited birds and transgenic avian models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seung-Je Woo
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Han
- Avinnogen Co., Ltd., Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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16
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Romanov MN, Abdelmanova AS, Fisinin VI, Gladyr EA, Volkova NA, Koshkina OA, Rodionov AN, Vetokh AN, Gusev IV, Anshakov DV, Stanishevskaya OI, Dotsev AV, Griffin DK, Zinovieva NA. Selective footprints and genes relevant to cold adaptation and other phenotypic traits are unscrambled in the genomes of divergently selected chicken breeds. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:35. [PMID: 36829208 PMCID: PMC9951459 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00813-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genomes of worldwide poultry breeds divergently selected for performance and other phenotypic traits may also be affected by, and formed due to, past and current admixture events. Adaptation to diverse environments, including acclimation to harsh climatic conditions, has also left selection footprints in breed genomes. RESULTS Using the Chicken 50K_CobbCons SNP chip, we genotyped four divergently selected breeds: two aboriginal, cold tolerant Ushanka and Orloff Mille Fleur, one egg-type Russian White subjected to artificial selection for cold tolerance, and one meat-type White Cornish. Signals of selective sweeps were determined in the studied breeds using three methods: (1) assessment of runs of homozygosity islands, (2) FST based population differential analysis, and (3) haplotype differentiation analysis. Genomic regions of true selection signatures were identified by two or more methods or in two or more breeds. In these regions, we detected 540 prioritized candidate genes supplemented them with those that occurred in one breed using one statistic and were suggested in other studies. Amongst them, SOX5, ME3, ZNF536, WWP1, RIPK2, OSGIN2, DECR1, TPO, PPARGC1A, BDNF, MSTN, and beta-keratin genes can be especially mentioned as candidates for cold adaptation. Epigenetic factors may be involved in regulating some of these important genes (e.g., TPO and BDNF). CONCLUSION Based on a genome-wide scan, our findings can help dissect the genetic architecture underlying various phenotypic traits in chicken breeds. These include genes representing the sine qua non for adaptation to harsh environments. Cold tolerance in acclimated chicken breeds may be developed following one of few specific gene expression mechanisms or more than one overlapping response known in cold-exposed individuals, and this warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N. Romanov
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia ,grid.9759.20000 0001 2232 2818School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Alexandra S. Abdelmanova
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Vladimir I. Fisinin
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Federal State Budget Scientific Institution Federal Research Centre “All-Russian Poultry Research and Technological Institute” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergiev Posad, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Elena A. Gladyr
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Natalia A. Volkova
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Olga A. Koshkina
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Andrey N. Rodionov
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Anastasia N. Vetokh
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Igor V. Gusev
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Anshakov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Breeding and Genetic Centre “Zagorsk Experimental Breeding Farm” – Branch of the Federal Research Centre “All-Russian Poultry Research and Technological Institute” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergiev Posad, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Olga I. Stanishevskaya
- grid.473314.6Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arsen V. Dotsev
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- grid.9759.20000 0001 2232 2818School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Natalia A. Zinovieva
- L.K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, Podolsk, Moscow Region Russia
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17
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Han JY, Lee HJ. Genome Editing Mediated by Primordial Germ Cell in Chicken. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2637:301-312. [PMID: 36773156 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3016-7_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing technology has facilitated the studies on exploring specific gene functions in diverse living organisms. The technology has also contributed to creating high-value livestock in industry fields in terms of enhancing productivity or acquiring disease resistance. Particularly, applying genome editing technologies in avian species has been emphasized in both academic and industrial fields due to their unique developmental patterns as well as application possibilities. To accomplish genome editing in avian species, gene integration into chicken primordial germ cell (PGC) genome using a virus or transposition systems has been widely used, and recently developed programmable genome editing technologies including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas9) systems enable to edit the genetic information precisely for maximizing the application potentials of avian species. In these regards, this chapter will cover the methods for producing genome-edited chickens, particularly by CRISPR/Cas9 technologies allowing targeted gene insertion, gene knockout, and gene tagging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yong Han
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Hong Jo Lee
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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18
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Mitchell E, Tellez G, McGrew MJ. Chicken genome editing for investigating poultry pathogens. Avian Pathol 2023; 52:1-11. [PMID: 36278430 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2022.2130173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Major advances in pathogen identification, treatment, vaccine development, and avian immunology have enabled the enormous expansion in global poultry production over the last 50 years. Looking forward, climate change, reduced feed, reduced water access, new avian pathogens and restrictions on the use of antimicrobials threaten to hamper further gains in poultry productivity and health. The development of novel in vitro cell culture systems, coupled with new genetic tools to investigate gene function, will aid in developing novel interventions for existing and newly emerging poultry pathogens. Our growing capacity to cryopreserve and generate genome-edited chicken lines will also be useful for developing improved chicken breeds for poultry farmers and conserving chicken genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euan Mitchell
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Guillermo Tellez
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mike J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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19
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Batoon L, Koh AJ, Kannan R, McCauley LK, Roca H. Caspase-9 driven murine model of selective cell apoptosis and efferocytosis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:58. [PMID: 36693838 PMCID: PMC9873735 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis and efficient efferocytosis are integral to growth, development, and homeostasis. The heterogeneity of these mechanisms in different cells across distinct tissues renders it difficult to develop broadly applicable in vivo technologies. Here, we introduced a novel inducible caspase-9 (iCasp9) mouse model which allowed targeted cell apoptosis and further facilitated investigation of concomitant efferocytosis. We generated iCasp9+/+ mice with conditional expression of chemically inducible caspase-9 protein that is triggered in the presence of Cre recombinase. In vitro, bone marrow cells from iCasp9+/+ mice showed expression of the iCasp9 protein when transduced with Cre-expressing adenovirus. Treatment of these cells with the chemical dimerizer (AP20187/AP) resulted in iCasp9 processing and cleaved caspase-3 upregulation, indicating successful apoptosis induction. The in vivo functionality and versatility of this model was demonstrated by crossing iCasp9+/+ mice with CD19-Cre and Osteocalcin (OCN)-Cre mice to target CD19+ B cells or OCN+ bone-lining osteoblasts. Immunofluorescence and/or immunohistochemical staining in combination with histomorphometric analysis of EGFP, CD19/OCN, and cleaved caspase-3 expression demonstrated that a single dose of AP effectively induced apoptosis in CD19+ B cells or OCN+ osteoblasts. Examination of the known efferocytes in the target tissues showed that CD19+ cell apoptosis was associated with infiltration of dendritic cells into splenic B cell follicles. In the bone, where efferocytosis remains under-explored, the use of iCasp9 provided direct in vivo evidence that macrophages are important mediators of apoptotic osteoblast clearance. Collectively, this study presented the first mouse model of iCasp9 which achieved selective apoptosis, allowing examination of subsequent efferocytosis. Given its unique feature of being controlled by any Cre-expressing mouse lines, the potential applications of this model are extensive and will bring forth more insights into the diversity of mechanisms and cellular effects induced by apoptosis including the physiologically important efferocytic process that follows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Batoon
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amy J Koh
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rahasudha Kannan
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laurie K McCauley
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Hernan Roca
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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20
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Ibrahim M, Stadnicka K. The science of genetically modified poultry. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2023. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2022-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The exuberant development of targeted genome editing has revolutionized research on the chicken genome, generating chickens with beneficial parameters. The chicken model is a crucial experimental tool that can be utilized for drug manufacture, preclinical research, pathological observation, and other applications. In essence, tweaking the chicken’s genome has enabled the poultry industry to get more done with less, generating genetically modified chickens that lay eggs containing large amounts of lifesaving humanized drugs. The transition of gene editing from concept to practical application has been dramatically hastened by the development of programmable nucleases, bringing scientists closer than ever to the efficient producers of tomorrow’s medicines. Combining the developmental and physiological characteristics of the chicken with cutting-edge genome editing, the chicken furnishes a potent frontier that is foreseen to be actively pursued in the future. Herein we review the current and future prospects of gene editing in chickens and the contributions to the development of humanized pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ibrahim
- Department of Animal Biotechnology and Genetics , PBS University of Science and Technology , 85-084 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Katarzyna Stadnicka
- Department of Oncology , Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University , 85-821 Bydgoszcz , Poland
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21
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Idoko-Akoh A, McGrew MJ. Generation of Genome-Edited Chicken Through Targeting of Primordial Germ Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2631:419-441. [PMID: 36995681 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2990-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing technology facilitates the creation of specific and precise genetic changes to unravel gene function and rapidly transfer unique alleles between chicken breeds in contrast to lengthy traditional crossbreeding methods for the study of poultry genetics. Innovations in genome sequencing technology have made it possible to map polymorphisms associated with both monogenic and multigenic traits in livestock species. We, and many others, have demonstrated the use of genome editing to introduce specific monogenic traits in chicken through targeting of cultured primordial germ cells. In this chapter, we describe materials and protocols for performing heritable genome editing in the chicken through targeting of in vitro propagated chicken primordial germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alewo Idoko-Akoh
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Michael J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK.
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22
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Butler K, Brinker CJ, Leong HS. Bridging the In Vitro to In Vivo gap: Using the Chick Embryo Model to Accelerate Nanoparticle Validation and Qualification for In Vivo studies. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19626-19650. [PMID: 36453753 PMCID: PMC9799072 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c03990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We postulate that nanoparticles (NPs) for use in therapeutic applications have largely not realized their clinical potential due to an overall inability to use in vitro results to predict NP performance in vivo. The avian embryo and associated chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) has emerged as an in vivo preclinical model that bridges the gap between in vitro and in vivo, enabling rapid screening of NP behavior under physiologically relevant conditions and providing a rapid, accessible, economical, and more ethical means of qualifying nanoparticles for in vivo use. The CAM is highly vascularized and mimics the diverging/converging vasculature of the liver, spleen, and lungs that serve as nanoparticle traps. Intravital imaging of fluorescently labeled NPs injected into the CAM vasculature enables immediate assessment and quantification of nano-bio interactions at the individual NP scale in any tissue of interest that is perfused with a microvasculature. In this review, we highlight how utilization of the avian embryo and its CAM as a preclinical model can be used to understand NP stability in blood and tissues, extravasation, biocompatibility, and NP distribution over time, thereby serving to identify a subset of NPs with the requisite stability and performance to introduce into rodent models and enabling the development of structure-property relationships and NP optimization without the sacrifice of large populations of mice or other rodents. We then review how the chicken embryo and CAM model systems have been used to accelerate the development of NP delivery and imaging agents by allowing direct visualization of targeted (active) and nontargeted (passive) NP binding, internalization, and cargo delivery to individual cells (of relevance for the treatment of leukemia and metastatic cancer) and cellular ensembles (e.g., cancer xenografts of interest for treatment or imaging of cancer tumors). We conclude by showcasing emerging techniques for the utilization of the CAM in future nano-bio studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly
S. Butler
- Molecular
and Microbiology, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, United States
| | - C. Jeffrey Brinker
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Comprehensive Cancer
Center, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Hon Sing Leong
- Department
of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
- Biological
Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto M4N 3M5, Canada
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23
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Jones HE, Wilson PB. Progress and opportunities through use of genomics in animal production. Trends Genet 2022; 38:1228-1252. [PMID: 35945076 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The rearing of farmed animals is a vital component of global food production systems, but its impact on the environment, human health, animal welfare, and biodiversity is being increasingly challenged. Developments in genetic and genomic technologies have had a key role in improving the productivity of farmed animals for decades. Advances in genome sequencing, annotation, and editing offer a means not only to continue that trend, but also, when combined with advanced data collection, analytics, cloud computing, appropriate infrastructure, and regulation, to take precision livestock farming (PLF) and conservation to an advanced level. Such an approach could generate substantial additional benefits in terms of reducing use of resources, health treatments, and environmental impact, while also improving animal health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw E Jones
- UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, UK; Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK.
| | - Philippe B Wilson
- UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR, UK; Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
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24
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Sun Y, Li Y, Zong Y, Mehaisen GMK, Chen J. Poultry genetic heritage cryopreservation and reconstruction: advancement and future challenges. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:115. [PMID: 36210477 PMCID: PMC9549680 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00768-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry genetics resources, including commercial selected lines, indigenous breeds, and experimental lines, are now being irreversibly lost at an alarming rate due to multiple reasons, which further threats the future livelihood and academic purpose. Collections of germplasm may reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of genetic diversity by guaranteeing that a pool of genetic variability is available to ensure the reintroduction and replenishment of the genetic stocks. The setting up of biobanks for poultry is challenging because the high sensitiveness of spermatozoa to freezing–thawing process, inability to cryopreserve the egg or embryo, coupled with the females being heterogametic sex. The progress in cryobiology and biotechnologies have made possible the extension of the range of germplasm for poultry species available in cryobanks, including semen, primordial germ cells, somatic cells and gonads. In this review, we introduce the state-of-the-art technologies for avian genetic resource conservation and breed reconstruction, and discuss the potential challenges for future study and further extending of these technologies to ongoing and future conservation efforts.
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25
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Altgilbers S, Dierks C, Klein S, Weigend S, Kues WA. Quantitative analysis of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated provirus deletion in blue egg layer chicken PGCs by digital PCR. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15587. [PMID: 36114266 PMCID: PMC9481566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19861-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of sperm and oocytes, pass on the genetic material to the next generation. The previously established culture system of chicken PGCs holds many possibilities for functional genomics studies and the rapid introduction of desired traits. Here, we established a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing protocol for the genetic modification of PGCs derived from chickens with blue eggshell color. The sequence targeted in the present report is a provirus (EAV-HP) insertion in the 5'-flanking region of the SLCO1B3 gene on chromosome 1 in Araucana chickens, which is supposedly responsible for the blue eggshell color. We designed pairs of guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the entire 4.2 kb provirus region. Following transfection of PGCs with the gRNA, genomic DNA was isolated and analyzed by mismatch cleavage assay (T7EI). For absolute quantification of the targeting efficiencies in homozygous blue-allele bearing PGCs a digital PCR was established, which revealed deletion efficiencies of 29% when the wildtype Cas9 was used, and 69% when a high-fidelity Cas9 variant was employed. Subsequent single cell dilutions of edited PGCs yielded 14 cell clones with homozygous deletion of the provirus. A digital PCR assay proved the complete absence of this provirus in cell clones. Thus, we demonstrated the high efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in introducing a large provirus deletion in chicken PGCs. Our presented workflow is a cost-effective and rapid solution for screening the editing success in transfected PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Altgilbers
- Department of Biotechnology, Stem Cell Physiology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany.
| | - Claudia Dierks
- Department of Breeding and Genetic Resources, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Sabine Klein
- Department of Biotechnology, Stem Cell Physiology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Steffen Weigend
- Department of Breeding and Genetic Resources, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Stem Cell Physiology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
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26
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Hu T, Taylor L, Sherman A, Keambou Tiambo C, Kemp SJ, Whitelaw B, Hawken RJ, Djikeng A, McGrew MJ. A low-tech, cost-effective and efficient method for safeguarding genetic diversity by direct cryopreservation of poultry embryonic reproductive cells. eLife 2022; 11:74036. [PMID: 35074046 PMCID: PMC8789256 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chickens are an important resource for smallholder farmers who raise locally adapted, genetically distinct breeds for eggs and meat. The development of efficient reproductive technologies to conserve and regenerate chicken breeds safeguards existing biodiversity and secures poultry genetic resources for climate resilience, biosecurity, and future food production. The majority of the over 1600 breeds of chicken are raised in low and lower to middle income countries under resource-limited, small-scale production systems, which necessitates a low-tech, cost-effective means of conserving diversity is needed. Here, we validate a simple biobanking technique using cryopreserved embryonic chicken gonads. The gonads are quickly isolated, visually sexed, pooled by sex, and cryopreserved. Subsequently, the stored material is thawed and dissociated before injection into sterile host chicken embryos. By using pooled GFP and RFP-labelled donor gonadal cells and Sire Dam Surrogate mating, we demonstrate that chicks deriving entirely from male and female donor germ cells are hatched. This technology will enable ongoing efforts to conserve chicken genetic diversity for both commercial and smallholder farmers, and to preserve existing genetic resources at poultry research facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuanjun Hu
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
| | - Lorna Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
| | - Adrian Sherman
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
| | - Christian Keambou Tiambo
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
| | - Steven J Kemp
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
| | - Bruce Whitelaw
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
| | | | - Appolinaire Djikeng
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
| | - Michael J McGrew
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus
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27
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Koslová A, Trefil P, Mucksová J, Krchlíková V, Plachý J, Krijt J, Reinišová M, Kučerová D, Geryk J, Kalina J, Šenigl F, Elleder D, Kožich V, Hejnar J. Knock-Out of Retrovirus Receptor Gene Tva in the Chicken Confers Resistance to Avian Leukosis Virus Subgroups A and K and Affects Cobalamin (Vitamin B 12)-Dependent Level of Methylmalonic Acid. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122504. [PMID: 34960774 PMCID: PMC8708277 DOI: 10.3390/v13122504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The chicken Tva cell surface protein, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, has been identified as an entry receptor for avian leukosis virus of classic subgroup A and newly emerging subgroup K. Because both viruses represent an important concern for the poultry industry, we introduced a frame-shifting deletion into the chicken tva locus with the aim of knocking-out Tva expression and creating a virus-resistant chicken line. The tva knock-out was prepared by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in chicken primordial germ cells and orthotopic transplantation of edited cells into the testes of sterilized recipient roosters. The resulting tva −/− chickens tested fully resistant to avian leukosis virus subgroups A and K, both in in vitro and in vivo assays, in contrast to their susceptible tva +/+ and tva +/− siblings. We also found a specific disorder of the cobalamin/vitamin B12 metabolism in the tva knock-out chickens, which is in accordance with the recently recognized physiological function of Tva as a receptor for cobalamin in complex with transcobalamin transporter. Last but not least, we bring a new example of the de novo resistance created by CRISPR/Cas9 editing of pathogen dependence genes in farm animals and, furthermore, a new example of gene editing in chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Koslová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Pavel Trefil
- BIOPHARM, Research Institute of Biopharmacy and Veterinary Drugs, Pohoří-Chotouň 90, 254 49 Jílové u Prahy, Czech Republic; (P.T.); (J.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Jitka Mucksová
- BIOPHARM, Research Institute of Biopharmacy and Veterinary Drugs, Pohoří-Chotouň 90, 254 49 Jílové u Prahy, Czech Republic; (P.T.); (J.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Veronika Krchlíková
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Jiří Plachý
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Jakub Krijt
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Markéta Reinišová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Dana Kučerová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Josef Geryk
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Jiří Kalina
- BIOPHARM, Research Institute of Biopharmacy and Veterinary Drugs, Pohoří-Chotouň 90, 254 49 Jílové u Prahy, Czech Republic; (P.T.); (J.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Filip Šenigl
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Daniel Elleder
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
| | - Viktor Kožich
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Jiří Hejnar
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (A.K.); (V.K.); (J.P.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (J.G.); (F.Š.); (D.E.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Ballantyne M, Taylor L, Hu T, Meunier D, Nandi S, Sherman A, Flack B, Henshall JM, Hawken RJ, McGrew MJ. Avian Primordial Germ Cells Are Bipotent for Male or Female Gametogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:726827. [PMID: 34660583 PMCID: PMC8511492 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.726827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, males are the homogametic sex (ZZ) and females are the heterogametic sex (ZW). Here, we investigate the role of chromosomal sex and germ cell competition on avian germ cell differentiation. We recently developed genetically sterile layer cockerels and hens for use as surrogate hosts for primordial germ cell (PGC) transplantation. Using in vitro propagated and cryopreserved PGCs from a pedigree Silkie broiler breed, we now demonstrate that sterile surrogate layer hosts injected with same sex PGCs have normal fertility and produced pure breed Silkie broiler offspring when directly mated to each other in Sire Dam Surrogate mating. We found that female sterile hosts carrying chromosomally male (ZZ) PGCs formed functional oocytes and eggs, which gave rise to 100% male offspring after fertilization. Unexpectedly, we also observed that chromosomally female (ZW) PGCs carried by male sterile hosts formed functional spermatozoa and produced viable offspring. These findings demonstrate that avian PGCs are not sexually restricted for functional gamete formation and provide new insights for the cryopreservation of poultry and other bird species using diploid stage germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve Ballantyne
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tuanjun Hu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique Meunier
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sunil Nandi
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Sherman
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Mike J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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29
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Estermann MA, Major AT, Smith CA. Genetic Regulation of Avian Testis Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1459. [PMID: 34573441 PMCID: PMC8470383 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As in other vertebrates, avian testes are the site of spermatogenesis and androgen production. The paired testes of birds differentiate during embryogenesis, first marked by the development of pre-Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium and their condensation into seminiferous cords. Germ cells become enclosed in these cords and enter mitotic arrest, while steroidogenic Leydig cells subsequently differentiate around the cords. This review describes our current understanding of avian testis development at the cell biology and genetic levels. Most of this knowledge has come from studies on the chicken embryo, though other species are increasingly being examined. In chicken, testis development is governed by the Z-chromosome-linked DMRT1 gene, which directly or indirectly activates the male factors, HEMGN, SOX9 and AMH. Recent single cell RNA-seq has defined cell lineage specification during chicken testis development, while comparative studies point to deep conservation of avian testis formation. Lastly, we identify areas of future research on the genetics of avian testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig Allen Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.A.E.); (A.T.M.)
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30
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Johnsson M, Jungnickel MK. Evidence for and localization of proposed causative variants in cattle and pig genomes. Genet Sel Evol 2021; 53:67. [PMID: 34461824 PMCID: PMC8404348 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-021-00662-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper reviews the localization of published potential causative variants in contemporary pig and cattle reference genomes, and the evidence for their causality. In spite of the difficulties inherent to the identification of causative variants from genetic mapping and genome-wide association studies, researchers in animal genetics have proposed putative causative variants for several traits relevant to livestock breeding. RESULTS For this review, we read the literature that supports potential causative variants in 13 genes (ABCG2, DGAT1, GHR, IGF2, MC4R, MSTN, NR6A1, PHGK1, PRKAG3, PLRL, RYR1, SYNGR2 and VRTN) in cattle and pigs, and localized them in contemporary reference genomes. We review the evidence for their causality, by aiming to separate the evidence for the locus, the proposed causative gene and the proposed causative variant, and report the bioinformatic searches and tactics needed to localize the sequence variants in the cattle or pig genome. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, there is usually good evidence for the association at the locus level, some evidence for a specific causative gene at eight of the loci, and some experimental evidence for a specific causative variant at six of the loci. We recommend that researchers who report new potential causative variants use referenced coordinate systems, show local sequence context, and submit variants to repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Johnsson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Melissa K. Jungnickel
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG Scotland, UK
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31
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Altgilbers S, Klein S, Dierks C, Weigend S, Kues WA. Cultivation and characterization of primordial germ cells from blue layer hybrids (Araucana crossbreeds) and generation of germline chimeric chickens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12923. [PMID: 34155221 PMCID: PMC8217269 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91490-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The chicken (Gallus gallus) is one of the most common and widespread domestic species, with an estimated total population of 25 billion birds worldwide. The vast majority of chickens in agriculture originate from hybrid breeding programs and is concentrated on few commercially used high performance lines, whereas numerous local and indigenous breeds are at risk to become extinct. To preserve the genomic resources of rare and endangered chicken breeds innovative methods are necessary. Here, we established a solid workflow for the derivation and biobanking of chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) from blue layer hybrids. To achieve this, embryos of a cross of heterozygous blue egg layers were sampled to obtain blood derived and gonadal male as well as female PGCs of different genotypes (homozygous, heterozygous and nullizygous blue-allele bearing). The total efficiency of established PGC lines was 45% (47/104) within an average of 49 days until they reached sufficient numbers of cells for cryopreservation. The stem-cell character of the cultivated PGCs was confirmed by SSEA-1 immunostaining, and RT-PCR amplification of the pluripotency- and PGC-specific genes cPOUV, cNANOG, cDAZL and CVH. The Sleeping Beauty transposon system allowed to generate a stable integration of a Venus fluorophore reporter into the chicken genome. Finally, we demonstrated that, after re-transfer into chicken embryos, Venus-positive PGCs migrated and colonized the forming gonads. Semen samples of 13 raised cell chimeric roosters were analyzed by flow cytometry for the efficiency of germline colonization by the transferred PGCs carrying the Venus reporter and their proper differentiation into vital spermatids. Thus, we provide a proof-of-concept study for the potential use of PGCs for the cryobanking of rare breeds or rare alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Altgilbers
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Sabine Klein
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Claudia Dierks
- Department of Genetic Ressources, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Steffen Weigend
- Department of Genetic Ressources, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Wilfried A Kues
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 31535, Neustadt, Germany.
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In vivo enrichment of busulfan-resistant germ cells for efficient production of transgenic avian models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9127. [PMID: 33911174 PMCID: PMC8080772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most transgenic animals are generated using a genome-modified stem cell system and genome modification directly in embryos. Although this system is well-established in the development of transgenic animals, donor cell-derived transgenic animal production is inefficient in some cases. Especially in avian models such as chickens, the efficiency of transgenic animal production through primordial germ cells (PGCs) is highly variable compared with embryonic manipulation of mammalian species. Because germ cell and germline-competent stem cell-mediated systems that contain the transgene are enriched only at the upstream level during cell cultivation, the efficiency of transgenic animal production is unreliable. Therefore, we developed an in vivo selection model to enhance the efficiency of transgenic chicken production using microsomal glutathione-S-transferase II (MGSTII)-overexpressing PGCs that are resistant to the alkylating agent busulfan, which induces germ cell-specific cytotoxicity. Under in vitro conditions, MGSTII-tg PGCs were resistant to 1 μM busulfan, which was highly toxic to wild-type PGCs. In germline chimeric roosters, transgene-expressing germ cells were dominantly colonized in the recipient testes after busulfan exposure compared with non-treated germline chimera. In validation of germline transmission, donor PGC-derived progeny production efficiency was 94.68%, and the transgene production rate of heterozygous transgenic chickens was significantly increased in chickens that received 40 mg/kg busulfan (80.33–95.23%) compared with that of non-treated germline chimeras (51.18%). This system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of generating transgenic chickens and other animal species by increasing the distribution of donor cells in adult testes.
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Abstract
Avian species are used as model systems in research and have contributed to ground-breaking concepts in developmental biology, immunology, genetics, virology, cancer and cell biology. The chicken in particular is an important research model and an agricultural animal as a major contributor to animal protein resources for the global population. The development of genome editing methods, including CRISPR/Cas9, to mediate germline engineering of the avian genome will have important applications in biomedical, agricultural and biotechnological activities. Notably, these precise genome editing tools have the potential to enhance avian health and productivity by identifying and validating beneficial genetic variants in bird populations. Here, we present a concise description of the existing methods and current applications of the genome editing tools in bird species, focused on chickens, with attention on animal use and welfare issues for each of the techniques presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeepta K Panda
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mike J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
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Ioannidis J, Taylor G, Zhao D, Liu L, Idoko-Akoh A, Gong D, Lovell-Badge R, Guioli S, McGrew MJ, Clinton M. Primary sex determination in birds depends on DMRT1 dosage, but gonadal sex does not determine adult secondary sex characteristics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2020909118. [PMID: 33658372 PMCID: PMC7958228 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020909118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, males are the homogametic sex (ZZ) and females the heterogametic sex (ZW). Primary sex determination is thought to depend on a sex chromosome gene dosage mechanism, and the most likely sex determinant is the Z chromosome gene Doublesex and Mab-3-Related Transcription factor 1 (DMRT1). To clarify this issue, we used a CRISPR-Cas9-based monoallelic targeting approach and sterile surrogate hosts to generate birds with targeted mutations in the DMRT1 gene. The resulting chromosomally male (ZZ) chicken with a single functional copy of DMRT1 developed ovaries in place of testes, demonstrating the avian sex-determining mechanism is based on DMRT1 dosage. These ZZ ovaries expressed typical female markers and showed clear evidence of follicular development. However, these ZZ adult birds with an ovary in place of testes were indistinguishable in appearance to wild-type adult males, supporting the concept of cell-autonomous sex identity (CASI) in birds. In experiments where estrogen synthesis was blocked in control ZW embryos, the resulting gonads developed as testes. In contrast, if estrogen synthesis was blocked in ZW embryos that lacked DMRT1, the gonads invariably adopted an ovarian fate. Our analysis shows that DMRT1 is the key sex determination switch in birds and that it is essential for testis development, but that production of estrogen is also a key factor in primary sex determination in chickens, and that this production is linked to DMRT1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Ioannidis
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom;
| | - Gunes Taylor
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Debiao Zhao
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Long Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Alewo Idoko-Akoh
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Daoqing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana Guioli
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike J McGrew
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom;
| | - Michael Clinton
- Division of Functional Genomics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EH25 9RG Midlothian, United Kingdom
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