1
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Alpert JS. Twelve Interesting Biological Tidbits. Am J Med 2024; 137:791-792. [PMID: 37879589 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Alpert
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Editor in Chief, The American Journal of Medicine.
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2
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Nguyen TD, Li H, Zhuang Y, Chen B, Kinoshita K, Jamal MA, Xu K, Guo J, Jiao D, Tanabe K, Wei Y, Li Z, Cheng W, Qing Y, Zhao HY, Wei HJ. In vitro and in vivo development of interspecies Asian elephant embryos reconstructed with pig enucleated oocytes. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:1909-1918. [PMID: 35404767 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2058005] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) has an immense potential to rescue endangered animals and extinct species like mammoths. In this study, we successfully established an Asian elephant's fibroblast cell lines from ear tissues, performed iSCNT with porcine oocytes and evaluated the in vitro and in vivo development of reconstructed embryos. A total of 7780 elephant-pig iSCNT embryos were successfully reconstructed and showed in vitro development with cleavage rate, 4-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst rate of 73.01, 30.48, 5.64, and 4.73%, respectively. The total number of elephant-pig blastocyte cells and diameter of hatched blastocyte was 38.67 and 252.75 μm, respectively. Next, we designed species-specific markers targeting EDNRB, AGRP and TYR genes to verify the genome of reconstructed embryos with donor nucleus/species. The results indicated that 53.2, 60.8, and 60.8% of reconstructed embryos (n = 235) contained elephant genome at 1-cell, 2-cell and 4-cell stages, respectively. However, the percentages decreased to 32.3 and 32.7% at 8-cell and blastocyst stages, respectively. Furthermore, we also evaluated the in vivo development of elephant-pig iSCNT cloned embryos and transferred 2260 reconstructed embryos into two surrogate gilts that successfully became pregnant and a total of 11 (1 and 10) fetuses were surgically recovered after 17 and 19 days of gestation, respectively. The crown-rump length and width of elephant-pig cloned fetuses were smaller than the control group. Unfortunately, none of these fetuses contained elephant genomes, which suggested that elephant embryos failed to develop in vivo. In conclusion, we successfully obtained elephant-pig reconstructed embryos for the first time and these embryos are able to develop to blastocyst, but the in vivo developmental failure needs further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien Dat Nguyen
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Honghui Li
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yiquan Zhuang
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Bowei Chen
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Keiji Kinoshita
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Muhammad Ameen Jamal
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Kaixiang Xu
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianxiong Guo
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Deling Jiao
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Kumiko Tanabe
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yunfang Wei
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenming Cheng
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yubo Qing
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong-Ye Zhao
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong-Jiang Wei
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Kunming, China
- Xenotransplantation Engineering Research Center in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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3
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Sharma R, Patil C, Majeed J, Kumar S, Aggarwal G. Next-generation sequencing in the biodiversity conservation of endangered medicinal plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:73795-73808. [PMID: 36098925 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22842-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been used as traditional herbal medicines in the treatment of various types of diseases. However, the increased demand for these plants highlights the importance of conservation specifically for endangered species. Significant advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have accelerated medicinal plant research while reducing costs and time demands. NGS systems enable high-throughput whole genome sequencing as well as direct RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis. The sequence data sets created can be used in a variety of areas of study, including biodiversity conservation, comparative genomics, transcriptomic analysis, single cell mining, metagenomics, epigenetics, molecular marker discovery, multi genome sequencing, and so on. Commercial sequencing service providers are constantly working to improve technologies to address bioinformatics problems in NGS data analysis. Several genome sequencing projects on medicinal plants have been completed recently and a few more are in the works. In some medicinal plants, massive NGS-based data has been developed. In the present review, we have attempted to briefly discuss advancements in NGS technology on medicinally essential plants in India. The review will also provide ideas for applying NGS technologies for exploring genomes of various endangered medicinal plants whose genome sequences are not normally available and thus provides valuable insights for the conservation of these vulnerable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchika Sharma
- Centre for Precision Medicine and Pharmacy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Chandragouda Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Jaseela Majeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Management, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Centre for Precision Medicine and Pharmacy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Geeta Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India.
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4
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Paez S, Kraus RHS, Shapiro B, Gilbert MTP, Jarvis ED, Al-Ajli FO, Ceballos G, Crawford AJ, Fedrigo O, Johnson RN, Johnson WE, Marques-Bonet T, Morin PA, Mueller RC, Ryder OA, Teeling EC, Venkatesh B. Reference genomes for conservation. Science 2022; 377:364-366. [PMID: 35862547 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm8127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
High-quality reference genomes for non-model species can benefit conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Farooq Omar Al-Ajli
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Monash University Malaysia Genomics Facility, School of Science, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Gerardo Ceballos
- Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, CU, Coyoacán, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrew J Crawford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Olivier Fedrigo
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rebecca N Johnson
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA
| | - Warren E Johnson
- The Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), PRBB, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.,CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 4 08028, Spain.,Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici ICTA-ICP, c/ Columnes s/n, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Phillip A Morin
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ralf C Mueller
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Oliver A Ryder
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Beckman Center, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - Emma C Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Byrappa Venkatesh
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Biopolis, Singapore 138673, Singapore
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5
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Mayran A, Bolt CC. Transgenic Model Systems Have Revolutionized the Study of Disease. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:49-52. [PMID: 34941457 PMCID: PMC8787710 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected most of the world in a profound way. As an indirect consequence, the general public has been put into direct contact with the research process, almost in real time. Justifiably, a lot of this focus has been targeted toward research directly linked to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this opinion article, we want to highlight to a general audience the value of having a diverse "portfolio" of research approaches for society as a whole. In this study, we will focus on our field of research, namely the study of gene regulation through the use of transgenesis. We will highlight how this type of research can also be used to provide a better understanding as well as tools to fight SARS-CoV-2 and other future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Mayran
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Chase Bolt
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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6
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Mavaro I, De Felice E, Palladino A, D'Angelo L, de Girolamo P, Attanasio C. Anatomical templates for tissue (re)generation and beyond. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3938-3951. [PMID: 32776516 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27533] [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: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a valuable alternative to stem cells in regenerative medicine overcoming their ethical limitations, like embryo disruption. Takahashi and Yamanaka in 2006 reprogrammed, for the first time, mouse fibroblasts into iPSCs through the retroviral delivery of four reprogramming factors: Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4. Since then, several studies started reporting the derivation of iPSC lines from animals other than rodents for translational and veterinary medicine. Here, we review the potential of using these cells for further intriguing applications, such as "cellular agriculture." iPSCs, indeed, can be a source of in vitro, skeletal muscle tissue, namely "cultured meat," a product that improves animal welfare and encourages the consumption of healthier meat along with environmental preservation. Also, we report the potential of using iPSCs, obtained from endangered species, for therapeutic treatments for captive animals and for assisted reproductive technologies as well. This review offers a unique opportunity to explore the whole spectrum of iPSC applications from regenerative translational and veterinary medicine to the production of artificial meat and the preservation of currently endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Mavaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena De Felice
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Antonio Palladino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Research in Biomaterials (CRIB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
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7
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Genetically Modified Babies and a First Application of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR-Cas9). Obstet Gynecol 2020; 134:157-162. [PMID: 31188312 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The world's first babies with CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-edited genes were born on November 25, 2018. Dr. Jiankui He of Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen performed this gene editing. Dr. He's objectives and an assessment of how well they were achieved are discussed in the context of existing research in this area.
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8
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Derry AM, Fraser DJ, Brady SP, Astorg L, Lawrence ER, Martin GK, Matte J, Negrín Dastis JO, Paccard A, Barrett RDH, Chapman LJ, Lane JE, Ballas CG, Close M, Crispo E. Conservation through the lens of (mal)adaptation: Concepts and meta-analysis. Evol Appl 2019; 12:1287-1304. [PMID: 31417615 PMCID: PMC6691223 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary approaches are gaining popularity in conservation science, with diverse strategies applied in efforts to support adaptive population outcomes. Yet conservation strategies differ in the type of adaptive outcomes they promote as conservation goals. For instance, strategies based on genetic or demographic rescue implicitly target adaptive population states whereas strategies utilizing transgenerational plasticity or evolutionary rescue implicitly target adaptive processes. These two goals are somewhat polar: adaptive state strategies optimize current population fitness, which should reduce phenotypic and/or genetic variance, reducing adaptability in changing or uncertain environments; adaptive process strategies increase genetic variance, causing maladaptation in the short term, but increase adaptability over the long term. Maladaptation refers to suboptimal population fitness, adaptation refers to optimal population fitness, and (mal)adaptation refers to the continuum of fitness variation from maladaptation to adaptation. Here, we present a conceptual classification for conservation that implicitly considers (mal)adaptation in the short-term and long-term outcomes of conservation strategies. We describe cases of how (mal)adaptation is implicated in traditional conservation strategies, as well as strategies that have potential as a conservation tool but are relatively underutilized. We use a meta-analysis of a small number of available studies to evaluate whether the different conservation strategies employed are better suited toward increasing population fitness across multiple generations. We found weakly increasing adaptation over time for transgenerational plasticity, genetic rescue, and evolutionary rescue. Demographic rescue was generally maladaptive, both immediately after conservation intervention and after several generations. Interspecific hybridization was adaptive only in the F1 generation, but then rapidly leads to maladaptation. Management decisions that are made to support the process of adaptation must adequately account for (mal)adaptation as a potential outcome and even as a tool to bolster adaptive capacity to changing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Margaret Derry
- Département des sciences biologiquesUniversité du Québec à MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
- Quebec Center for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Dylan J. Fraser
- Quebec Center for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQuebecCanada
- Biology DepartmentConcordia UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Steven P. Brady
- Biology DepartmentSouthern Connecticut State UniversityNew HavenConnecticut
| | - Louis Astorg
- Département des sciences biologiquesUniversité du Québec à MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | - Gillian K. Martin
- Département des sciences biologiquesUniversité du Québec à MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Antoine Paccard
- Redpath Museum and Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Rowan D. H. Barrett
- Quebec Center for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQuebecCanada
- Redpath Museum and Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Lauren J. Chapman
- Quebec Center for Biodiversity ScienceMontrealQuebecCanada
- Redpath Museum and Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Jeffrey E. Lane
- Department of BiologyUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSaskatchewanCanada
| | | | - Marissa Close
- Department of BiologyPace UniversityNew YorkNew York
| | - Erika Crispo
- Department of BiologyPace UniversityNew YorkNew York
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9
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Dänzer T. Wird es möglich sein, ausgestorbene Arten wiederzubeleben? CHEM UNSERER ZEIT 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ciuz.201980057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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10
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Abstract
De-extinction projects for species such as the woolly mammoth and passenger pigeon have greatly stimulated public and scientific interest, producing a large body of literature and much debate. To date, there has been little consistency in descriptions of de-extinction technologies and purposes. In 2016, a special committee of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published a set of guidelines for de-extinction practice, establishing the first detailed description of de-extinction; yet incoherencies in published literature persist. There are even several problems with the IUCN definition. Here I present a comprehensive definition of de-extinction practice and rationale that expounds and reconciles the biological and ecological inconsistencies in the IUCN definition. This new definition brings together the practices of reintroduction and ecological replacement with de-extinction efforts that employ breeding strategies to recover unique extinct phenotypes into a single “de-extinction” discipline. An accurate understanding of de-extinction and biotechnology segregates the restoration of certain species into a new classification of endangerment, removing them from the purview of de-extinction and into the arena of species’ recovery. I term these species as “evolutionarily torpid species”; a term to apply to species falsely considered extinct, which in fact persist in the form of cryopreserved tissues and cultured cells. For the first time in published literature, all currently active de-extinction breeding programs are reviewed and their progress presented. Lastly, I review and scrutinize various topics pertaining to de-extinction in light of the growing body of peer-reviewed literature published since de-extinction breeding programs gained public attention in 2013.
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11
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Stanton MM, Tzatzalos E, Donne M, Kolundzic N, Helgason I, Ilic D. Prospects for the Use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Animal Conservation and Environmental Protection. Stem Cells Transl Med 2018; 8:7-13. [PMID: 30251393 PMCID: PMC6312526 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are unique cell populations able to copy themselves exactly as well as specialize into new cell types. Stem cells isolated from early stages of embryo development are pluripotent, i.e., can be differentiated into multiple different cell types. In addition, scientists have found a way of reverting specialized cells from an adult into an embryonic-like state. These cells, that are as effective as cells isolated from early embryos, are termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The potency of iPSC technology is recently being employed by researchers aimed at helping wildlife and environmental conservation efforts. Ambitious attempts using iPSCs are being made to preserve endangered animals as well as reanimate extinct species, merging science fiction with reality. Other research to sustain natural resources and promote animal welfare are exploring iPSCs for laboratory grown animal products without harm to animals offering unorthodox options for creating meat, leather, and fur. There is great potential in iPSC technology and what can be achieved in consumerism, animal welfare, and environmental protection and conservation. Here, we discuss current research in the field of iPSCs and how these research groups are attempting to achieve their goals. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:7-13.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew Donne
- VitroLabs Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nikola Kolundzic
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Science and Medicine, King's College London, School of Life Course Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dusko Ilic
- VitroLabs Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Science and Medicine, King's College London, School of Life Course Sciences, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Abstract
"Conservation genomics" encompasses the idea that genome-scale data will improve the capacity of resource managers to protect species. Although genetic approaches have long been used in conservation research, it has only recently become tractable to generate genome-wide data at a scale that is useful for conservation. In this Review, we discuss how genome-scale data can inform species delineation in the face of admixture, facilitate evolution through the identification of adaptive alleles, and enhance evolutionary rescue based on genomic patterns of inbreeding. As genomic approaches become more widely adopted in conservation, we expect that they will have a positive impact on management and policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Supple
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
- UCSC Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
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13
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Dubey S, Dufresnes C. An extinct vertebrate preserved by its living hybridogenetic descendant. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12768. [PMID: 28986535 PMCID: PMC5630569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridogenesis is a special mode of hybrid reproduction where one parental genome is eliminated and the other is transmitted clonally. We propose that this mechanism can perpetuate the genome of extinct species, based on new genetic data from Pelophylax water frogs. We characterized the genetic makeup of Italian hybridogenetic hybrids (P. kl. hispanicus and esculentus) and identified a new endemic lineage of Eastern-Mediterranean origin as one parental ancestor of P. kl. hispanicus. This taxon is nowadays extinct in the wild but its germline subsists through its hybridogenetic descendant, which can thus be considered as a "semi living fossil". Such rare situation calls for realistic efforts of de-extinction through selective breeding without genetic engineering, and fuels the topical controversy of reviving long extinct species. "Ghost" species hidden by taxa of hybrid origin may be more frequent than suspected in vertebrate groups that experienced a strong history of hybridization and semi-sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Hintermann & Weber SA, Rue de l'Eglise-Catholique 9b, 1820, Montreux, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Dufresnes
- Department of Animal & Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
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14
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Shrock E, Güell M. CRISPR in Animals and Animal Models. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 152:95-114. [PMID: 29150007 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized the generation of transgenic animals. This system has demonstrated an unprecedented efficiency, multiplexability, and ease of use, thereby reducing the time and cost required for genome editing and enabling the production of animals with more extensive genetic modifications. It has also been shown to be applicable to a wide variety of animals, from early-branching metazoans to primates. Genome-wide screens in model organisms have been performed, accurate models of human diseases have been constructed, and potential therapies have been tested and validated in animal models. Several achievements in genetic modification of animals have been translated into products for the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. Based on the remarkable progress to date, one may anticipate that in the future, CRISPR-Cas9 technology will enable additional far-reaching advances, including understanding the bases of diseases with complex genetic origins, engineering animals to produce organs for human transplantation, and genetically transforming entire populations of organisms to prevent the spread of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Shrock
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marc Güell
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
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Miller JM, Quinzin MC, Poulakakis N, Gibbs JP, Beheregaray LB, Garrick RC, Russello MA, Ciofi C, Edwards DL, Hunter EA, Tapia W, Rueda D, Carrión J, Valdivieso AA, Caccone A. Identification of Genetically Important Individuals of the Rediscovered Floreana Galápagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis elephantopus) Provide Founders for Species Restoration Program. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11471. [PMID: 28904401 PMCID: PMC5597637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Species are being lost at an unprecedented rate due to human-driven environmental changes. The cases in which species declared extinct can be revived are rare. However, here we report that a remote volcano in the Galápagos Islands hosts many giant tortoises with high ancestry from a species previously declared as extinct: Chelonoidis elephantopus or the Floreana tortoise. Of 150 individuals with distinctive morphology sampled from the volcano, genetic analyses revealed that 65 had C. elephantopus ancestry and thirty-two were translocated from the volcano's slopes to a captive breeding center. A genetically informed captive breeding program now being initiated will, over the next decades, return C. elephantopus tortoises to Floreana Island to serve as engineers of the island's ecosystems. Ironically, it was the haphazard translocations by mariners killing tortoises for food centuries ago that created the unique opportunity to revive this "lost" species today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Miller
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect St. New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States of America.
| | - Maud C Quinzin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect St. New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States of America
| | - Nikos Poulakakis
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Vasilika Vouton, Gr-71300, Heraklio, Crete, Greece.,Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossos Av., GR-71409, Heraklio, Crete, Greece
| | - James P Gibbs
- College of Environmental Science & Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, 13210, United States of America
| | - Luciano B Beheregaray
- Molecular Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Ryan C Garrick
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, 38677, United States of America
| | - Michael A Russello
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Claudio Ciofi
- Department Biology, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Danielle L Edwards
- Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, California, 95343, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Hunter
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada - Reno, Max Fleischmann Agricultural Building, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Washington Tapia
- Galapagos Conservancy, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030, United States of America.,Galápagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Danny Rueda
- Galápagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Carrión
- Galápagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Andrés A Valdivieso
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect St. New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States of America
| | - Adalgisa Caccone
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect St. New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States of America.
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17
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Zaucha J, Heddle JG. Resurrecting the Dead (Molecules). Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2017; 15:351-358. [PMID: 28652896 PMCID: PMC5472138 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological molecules, like organisms themselves, are subject to genetic drift and may even become "extinct". Molecules that are no longer extant in living systems are of high interest for several reasons including insight into how existing life forms evolved and the possibility that they may have new and useful properties no longer available in currently functioning molecules. Predicting the sequence/structure of such molecules and synthesizing them so that their properties can be tested is the basis of "molecular resurrection" and may lead not only to a deeper understanding of evolution, but also to the production of artificial proteins with novel properties and even to insight into how life itself began.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zaucha
- Departament of Computer Science, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan G. Heddle
- Bionanoscience and Biochemistry Laboratory, Jagiellonian University, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronstajowa 7A, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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18
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Bennett JR, Maloney RF, Steeves TE, Brazill-Boast J, Possingham HP, Seddon PJ. Spending limited resources on de-extinction could lead to net biodiversity loss. Nat Ecol Evol 2017; 1:53. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-016-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Overview on the Role of Advance Genomics in Conservation Biology of Endangered Species. Int J Genomics 2016; 2016:3460416. [PMID: 28025636 PMCID: PMC5153469 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3460416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent era, due to tremendous advancement in industrialization, pollution and other anthropogenic activities have created a serious scenario for biota survival. It has been reported that present biota is entering a “sixth” mass extinction, because of chronic exposure to anthropogenic activities. Various ex situ and in situ measures have been adopted for conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animal species; however, these have been limited due to various discrepancies associated with them. Current advancement in molecular technologies, especially, genomics, is playing a very crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Advance genomics helps in identifying the segments of genome responsible for adaptation. It can also improve our understanding about microevolution through a better understanding of selection, mutation, assertive matting, and recombination. Advance genomics helps in identifying genes that are essential for fitness and ultimately for developing modern and fast monitoring tools for endangered biodiversity. This review article focuses on the applications of advanced genomics mainly demographic, adaptive genetic variations, inbreeding, hybridization and introgression, and disease susceptibilities, in the conservation of threatened biota. In short, it provides the fundamentals for novice readers and advancement in genomics for the experts working for the conservation of endangered plant and animal species.
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J. Richmond
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics Natural History Museum of Denmark University of Copenhagen Øster Voldgade 5–7 1350 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Mikkel‐Holger S. Sinding
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics Natural History Museum of Denmark University of Copenhagen Øster Voldgade 5–7 1350 Copenhagen Denmark
- Natural History Museum University of Oslo P.O. Box 1172 Blindern NO‐0318 Oslo Norway
| | - M. Thomas P. Gilbert
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics Natural History Museum of Denmark University of Copenhagen Øster Voldgade 5–7 1350 Copenhagen Denmark
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory Department of Environment and Agriculture Curtin University Perth WA 6102 Australia
- NTNU University Museum NO‐7491 Trondheim Norway
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21
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McCauley DJ, Hardesty‐Moore M, Halpern BS, Young HS. A mammoth undertaking: harnessing insight from functional ecology to shape de‐extinction priority setting. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J. McCauley
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA93106 USA
| | - Molly Hardesty‐Moore
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA93106 USA
| | - Benjamin S. Halpern
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara CA93106 USA
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis University of California 735 State St. Suite 300 Santa Barbara CA93101 USA
- Imperial College London Silwood Park Campus Buckhurst Rd AscotSL57PY UK
| | - Hillary S. Young
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA93106 USA
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Johnson JA, Altwegg R, Evans DM, Ewen JG, Gordon IJ, Pettorelli N, Young JK. Is there a future for genome-editing technologies in conservation? Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences; Institute of Applied Sciences; University of North Texas; Denton TX USA
| | - R. Altwegg
- Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation; Department of Statistical Sciences, and African Climate and Development Initiative; University of Cape Town; Cape Town South Africa
| | - D. M. Evans
- School of Biology; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - J. G. Ewen
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London UK
| | - I. J. Gordon
- Division of Tropical Environments and Societies; James Cook University; Townsville Australia
| | - N. Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London UK
| | - J. K. Young
- USDA-NWRC-Predator Research Facility; Department of Wildland Resources; Utah State University; Logan UT USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Doudna
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA. .,Innovative Genomics Initiative, University of California, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA. .,Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA.
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA. .,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA. .,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA.
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