1
|
Browne RK, Luo Q, Wang P, Mansour N, Kaurova SA, Gakhova EN, Shishova NV, Uteshev VK, Kramarova LI, Venu G, Vaissi S, Taheri-Khas Z, Heshmatzad P, Bagaturov MF, Janzen P, Naranjo RE, Swegen A, Strand J, McGinnity D, Dunce I. Ecological Civilisation and Amphibian Sustainability through Reproduction Biotechnologies, Biobanking, and Conservation Breeding Programs (RBCs). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1455. [PMID: 38791672 PMCID: PMC11117272 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101455] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Intergenerational justice entitles the maximum retention of Earth's biodiversity. The 2022 United Nations COP 15, "Ecological Civilisation: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth", is committed to protecting 30% of Earth's terrestrial environments and, through COP 28, to mitigate the effects of the climate catastrophe on the biosphere. We focused this review on three core themes: the need and potential of reproduction biotechnologies, biobanks, and conservation breeding programs (RBCs) to satisfy sustainability goals; the technical state and current application of RBCs; and how to achieve the future potentials of RBCs in a rapidly evolving environmental and cultural landscape. RBCs include the hormonal stimulation of reproduction, the collection and storage of sperm and oocytes, and artificial fertilisation. Emerging technologies promise the perpetuation of species solely from biobanked biomaterials stored for perpetuity. Despite significant global declines and extinctions of amphibians, and predictions of a disastrous future for most biodiversity, practical support for amphibian RBCs remains limited mainly to a few limited projects in wealthy Western countries. We discuss the potential of amphibian RBCs to perpetuate amphibian diversity and prevent extinctions within multipolar geopolitical, cultural, and economic frameworks. We argue that a democratic, globally inclusive organisation is needed to focus RBCs on regions with the highest amphibian diversity. Prioritisation should include regional and international collaborations, community engagement, and support for RBC facilities ranging from zoos and other institutions to those of private carers. We tabulate a standard terminology for field programs associated with RBCs for publication and media consistency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qinghua Luo
- School of Biological Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China; (Q.L.); (P.W.)
- College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China
| | - Pei Wang
- School of Biological Resources and Environmental Sciences, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China; (Q.L.); (P.W.)
- College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China
| | - Nabil Mansour
- Fujairah Research Centre (FRC), Al-Hilal Tower 3003, Fujairah P.O. Box 666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Svetlana A. Kaurova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Edith N. Gakhova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Natalia V. Shishova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Victor K. Uteshev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia; (S.A.K.); (E.N.G.); (N.V.S.); (V.K.U.)
| | - Ludmila I. Kramarova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino 142290, Russia;
| | - Govindappa Venu
- Centre for Applied Genetics, Department of Zoology, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University, Bengaluru 560056, India;
- Evolving Phylo Lab, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Somaye Vaissi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah 57146, Iran; (S.V.); (Z.T.-K.)
| | - Zeynab Taheri-Khas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah 57146, Iran; (S.V.); (Z.T.-K.)
| | - Pouria Heshmatzad
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49138, Iran;
| | - Mikhail F. Bagaturov
- IUCN/SSC/Athens Institute for Education and Research/Zoological Institute RAS, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Peter Janzen
- Verband Deutscher Zoodirectoren/Justus-von-Liebig-Schule, 47166 Duisburg, Germany;
| | - Renato E. Naranjo
- Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios, Fundación Jambatu, Giovanni, Farina 566 y Baltra, San Rafael, Quito 171102, Ecuador;
| | - Aleona Swegen
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
| | - Julie Strand
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark;
| | - Dale McGinnity
- Ectotherm Department, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, TN 37211, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arregui L, Koch JC, Tiersch TR. Transitioning from a research protocol to a scalable applied pathway for Xenopus laevis sperm cryopreservation at a national stock center: The effect of cryoprotectants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:291-300. [PMID: 37984495 PMCID: PMC11094805 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a critical tool for safeguarding and managing valuable genetic resources. Protocols for cryopreservation of Xenopus laevis sperm were available but lacking sperm quality evaluation and scalability and the outcomes were inconsistent. The goal of this study was to begin developing a center-level cryopreservation pathway for this species by integrating French straws as containers that would facilitate germplasm repository development. The objectives were to analyze the effect of: (1) three sperm concentrations (33, 50, and 100 × 106 sperm/mL) on post-thaw fertilization, (2) three final concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol, and dimethylformamide (DMFA) on sperm membrane integrity of fresh and frozen samples, (3) two concentrations (5% and 10%) of DMFA with and without 5% sucrose at four cooling rates (5, 10, 20, and 40°C/min) on sperm membrane integrity and motility, and (4) egg exposure to different concentrations of DMFA on fertilization. Few differences in sperm viability were found among fresh samples incubated in cryoprotectants, but thawed samples frozen in methanol or DMFA presented higher membrane integrity. Samples frozen in 10% DMFA at 20°C/min showed higher membrane integrity (60 ± 7%) than other DMFA concentrations and cooling rates, and the same total motility (30 ± 7%) as at 10°C/min. Higher DMFA concentrations (10%-13%) were detrimental for embryo development compared to lower concentrations (<6%). This study provided a reliable protocol for sperm cryopreservation in Xenopus laevis to yield an application pathway with potential for high throughput that can be used as a roadmap for work with other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Arregui
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jack C Koch
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hobbs RJ, Upton R, Calatayud NE, Silla AJ, Daly J, McFadden MS, O’Brien JK. Cryopreservation Cooling Rate Impacts Post-Thaw Sperm Motility and Survival in Litoria booroolongensis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3014. [PMID: 37835620 PMCID: PMC10571529 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation and storage of gametes (biobanking) can provide a long-term, low-cost option for the preservation of population genetic diversity and is particularly impactful when applied to manage selective breeding within conservation breeding programs (CBPs). This study aimed to develop a sperm cryopreservation protocol for the critically endangered Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) to capture founder genetics within the recently established (est. 2019) CBP for this species. Hormone-induced sperm release was achieved using established protocols, and spermic urine samples were collected over a 6-h period. Pooled spermic urine samples (n = 3 males) were divided equally between two cryoprotectant (CPA) treatments and diluted by 1:5 (sperm:CPA) with either 15% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide + 1% (w/v) sucrose in simplified amphibian Ringer's (SAR; CPAA) or 10% (v/v) dimethylformamide + 10% (w/v) trehalose dihydrate in SAR (CPAB). The samples were cryopreserved in 0.25 mL straws using either a programmable freezer (FrA) or an adapted dry shipper method (FrB). The thawed samples were activated via dilution in water and assessed for viability and motility using both manual assessment and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA; 0 h, 0.5 h post-thaw). Upon activation, the survival and recovery of motility (total motility, forward progression and velocity) of cryopreserved sperm suspensions were higher for sperm preserved using FrB than FrA, regardless of CPA composition. This work supports our long-term goal to pioneer the integration of biobanked cryopreserved sperm with population genetic management to maximize restoration program outcomes for Australian amphibian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Hobbs
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
| | - Rose Upton
- Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Natalie E. Calatayud
- Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
| | - Aimee J. Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Jonathan Daly
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael S. McFadden
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Burger IJ, Lampert SS, Kouba CK, Morin DJ, Kouba AJ. Development of an amphibian sperm biobanking protocol for genetic management and population sustainability. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac032. [PMID: 35620647 PMCID: PMC9127716 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a vital tool in amphibian assisted reproductive technologies that aids in genetic and population management, specifically for at-risk species. Significant advancements have been made in the cryopreservation of amphibian sperm, yet there is little information on how the cryopreservation process influences fertilization and embryonic development. In this study, we tested several cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and freezing rates on sperm recovery, fertilization potential and embryo development using Fowler's toads (Anaxyrus fowleri) as a model amphibian species for application to at-risk anurans. Three cryoprotectant treatments were tested, which included 10% trehalose + 0.25% bovine serum albumin with (1) 5% N,N-dimethylformamide (DMFA); (2) 10% DMFA; or (3) 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Additionally, sperm in each cryoprotectant was frozen at two different rates, -32 to -45°C/min and -20 to -29°C/min. Post-thaw sperm analysis included motility, morphology, viability, fertilization success and embryo development. Results show that 10% DMFA produced significantly higher (P = 0.005) post-thaw sperm motility than 5% DMFA and was similar to 10% DMSO. Furthermore, sperm frozen at -32 to -45°C/min had significantly higher post-thaw motility (P < 0.001) compared to sperm frozen at -20 to -29°C/min. We also found that embryos fertilized with sperm frozen with 5% DMFA resulted in significantly higher (P = 0.02) cleavage than 10% DMSO, yet there was no other effect of CPA on fertilization or embryo development. Furthermore, embryos fertilized with sperm frozen at -32 to -45°C/min resulted in significantly higher cleavage (P = 0.001), neurulation (P = 0.001) and hatching (P = 0.002) numbers than sperm frozen at a rate of -20 to -29°C/min. Overall, eggs fertilized with frozen-thawed sperm produced 1327 tadpoles. These results provide insight towards a biobanking strategy that can be applied to imperilled species to preserve genetic lineages and bolster offspring genetic diversity for reintroduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella J Burger
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Shaina S Lampert
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Carrie K Kouba
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Dana J Morin
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Andrew J Kouba
- Corresponding author: Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Clulow S, Clulow J, Marcec-Greaves R, Della Togna G, Calatayud NE. Common goals, different stages: the state of the ARTs for reptile and amphibian conservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:i-ix. [PMID: 35275052 DOI: 10.1071/rdv34n5_fo] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians and reptiles are highly threatened vertebrate taxa with large numbers of species threatened with extinction. With so many species at risk, conservation requires the efficient and cost-effective application of all the tools available so that as many species as possible are assisted. Biobanking of genetic material in genetic resource banks (GRBs) in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to retrieve live animals from stored materials are two powerful, complementary tools in the conservation toolbox for arresting and reversing biodiversity decline for both amphibians and reptiles. However, the degree of development of the ARTs and cryopreservation technologies differ markedly between these two groups. These differences are explained in part by different perceptions of the taxa, but also to differing reproductive anatomy and biology between the amphibians and reptiles. Artificial fertilisation with cryopreserved sperm is becoming a more widely developed and utilised technology for amphibians. However, in contrast, artificial insemination with production of live progeny has been reported in few reptiles, and while sperm have been successfully cryopreserved, there are still no reports of the production of live offspring generated from cryopreserved sperm. In both amphibians and reptiles, a focus on sperm cryopreservation and artificial fertilisation or artificial insemination has been at the expense of the development and application of more advanced technologies such as cryopreservation of the female germline and embryonic genome, or the use of sophisticated stem cell/primordial germ cell cryopreservation and transplantation approaches. This review accompanies the publication of ten papers on amphibians and twelve papers on reptiles reporting advances in ARTs and biobanking for the herpetological taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Clulow
- Centre for Conservation Ecology & Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - John Clulow
- University of Newcastle, Conservation Biology Research Group, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | | | - Gina Della Togna
- Universidad Interamericana de Panama, Direccion de Investigacion, Campus Central, Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Panama City, Panama; and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, Panama
| | - Natalie E Calatayud
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025, USA; and Conservation Science Network, 24 Thomas Street, Mayfield, NSW 2304, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen LD, Santos-Rivera M, Burger IJ, Kouba AJ, Barber DM, Vance CK. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a Method for Biological Sex Discrimination in the Endangered Houston Toad ( Anaxyrus houstonensis). Methods Protoc 2021; 5:4. [PMID: 35076558 PMCID: PMC8788558 DOI: 10.3390/mps5010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological sex is one of the more critically important physiological parameters needed for managing threatened animal species because it is crucial for informing several of the management decisions surrounding conservation breeding programs. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive technology that has been recently applied in the field of wildlife science to evaluate various aspects of animal physiology and may have potential as an in vivo technique for determining biological sex in live amphibian species. This study investigated whether NIRS could be used as a rapid and non-invasive method for discriminating biological sex in the endangered Houston toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis). NIR spectra (N = 396) were collected from live A. houstonensis individuals (N = 132), and distinct spectral patterns between males and females were identified using chemometrics. Linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) classified the spectra from each biological sex with accuracy ≥ 98% in the calibration and internal validation datasets and 94% in the external validation process. Through the use of NIRS, we have determined that unique spectral signatures can be holistically captured in the skin of male and female anurans, bringing to light the possibility of further application of this technique for juveniles and sexually monomorphic species, whose sex designation is important for breeding-related decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Dunn Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (L.-D.C.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Mariana Santos-Rivera
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (L.-D.C.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Isabella J. Burger
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (I.J.B.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Andrew J. Kouba
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (I.J.B.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Diane M. Barber
- Department of Ectotherms, Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA;
| | - Carrie K. Vance
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA; (L.-D.C.); (M.S.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|