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Ichikawa K, McGrew MJ. Innovations in poultry reproduction using cryopreserved avian germ cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14591. [PMID: 38798199 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14591] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Meat and eggs from chicken are the major source of animal protein for the human population. The cryopreservation of poultry species is needed to guarantee sustainable production. Here, we describe the existing cryopreservation technologies for avian reproductive cells using embryonic germ cells, spermatozoa and ovarian tissues. We outline strategies to reconstitute chicken breeds from their cryopreserved embryonic germ cells using surrogate hosts and discuss the perspectives for genetic conservation and reconstitution of chicken and wild avian species using surrogate host animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Ichikawa
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Mike J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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2
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Quach CC, Fulton JE, Benson JD, Walker P, Auckland C, Lessard C. Major Histocompatibility Complex-B haplotype and ovarian graft response. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102850. [PMID: 37406439 PMCID: PMC10466249 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102850] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal tissue transfer is considered one of the best methods to preserve genetic variability. Poultry hosts can receive a gonad from a donor of a different genetic background, sustain the growth of this graft, and produce gametes from it. Unfortunately, the host's strong immune response may significantly reduce the gonadal graft's ability to reach maturity. Our study aimed to evaluate the influence of MHC-B alleles in rejecting a gonadal graft of similar or different genetic backgrounds. In the first experiment, ovarian tissue was transplanted to chicks of similar genetic backgrounds, either Lohmann White (LW) with variable MHC-B or Barred Rock (BR) with fixed MHC-B. The sustained growth of donor ovarian tissues occurred in (4/7 hosts) BR (MHC-B matched) hosts only-one of these graft-positive-BR hens produced eggs derived from the donor ovary. No grafts were recovered when the host and the donor had an LW background (0/9; MHC-B mismatched). In the second experiment, ovarian transplantation was done between chicks of either similar or different genetic backgrounds (Brown Leghorn [BL], BR, and BL/BR F1). The 2 pure lines contained only one MHC-B allele, whereas the F1 heterozygotes had both. All host birds were given a daily dose of an immunosuppressant (mycophenolate mofetil) until maturity. The success rate was assessed by microsatellite genotype confirmation of donor-derived ovaries plus physiological and histological analyses of ovarian grafts. In this second experiment, 11 out of 43 ovarian hosts laid eggs. However, all fertilized eggs from these hens were derived from the remnant host ovarian tissue, not from the donor ovaries. A necropsy assessment was done on all 43 host birds. Ten donor grafts were recovered from hosts having matched (6 hosts) and mismatched (4 hosts) MHC-B, and none were functional. Interestingly, 6 of them were enclosed by a serous membrane capsule filled with fluid and had various tissue growth. In addition, clusters of immune cells were observed in all recovered donor grafts. Our results demonstrated that genetic background could greatly influence the success of gonadal transfer in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Cuong Quach
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0×2, Canada
| | | | - James D Benson
- Department of Biology, College of Art and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A5, Canada
| | - Pamela Walker
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0×2, Canada
| | | | - Carl Lessard
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0×2, Canada.
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3
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Doddamani D, Woodcock M, Taylor L, Nandi S, McTeir L, Davey MG, Smith J, McGrew MJ. The Transcriptome of Chicken Migratory Primordial Germ Cells Reveals Intrinsic Sex Differences and Expression of Hallmark Germ Cell Genes. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081151. [PMID: 37190060 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081151] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are germline-restricted embryonic cells that form the functional gametes of the adult animal. The use of avian PGCs in biobanking and producing genetically modified birds has driven research on the in vitro propagation and manipulation of these embryonic cells. In avian species, PGCs are hypothesized to be sexually undetermined at an early embryonic stage and undergo differentiation into an oocyte or spermatogonial fate dictated by extrinsic factors present in the gonad. However, chicken male and female PGCs require different culture conditions, suggesting that there are sex-specific differences, even at early stages. To understand potential differences between male and female chicken PGCs during migratory stages, we studied the transcriptomes of circulatory stage male and female PGCs propagated in a serum-free medium. We found that in vitro cultured PGCs were transcriptionally similar to their in ovo counterparts, with differences in cell proliferation pathways. Our analysis also revealed sex-specific transcriptome differences between male and female cultured PGCs, with notable differences in Smad7 and NCAM2 expression. A comparison of chicken PGCs with pluripotent and somatic cell types identified a set of genes that are exclusive to germ cells, enriched in the germplasm, and associated with germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dadakhalandar Doddamani
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mark Woodcock
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lorna Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sunil Nandi
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lynn McTeir
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Megan G Davey
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Jacqueline Smith
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mike J McGrew
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
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Ichikawa K, Horiuchi H. Fate Decisions of Chicken Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs): Development, Integrity, Sex Determination, and Self-Renewal Mechanisms. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030612. [PMID: 36980885 PMCID: PMC10048776 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursor cells of sperm and eggs. The fate decisions of chicken PGCs in terms of their development, integrity, and sex determination have unique features, thereby providing insights into evolutionary developmental biology. Additionally, fate decisions in the context of a self-renewal mechanism have been applied to establish culture protocols for chicken PGCs, enabling the production of genome-edited chickens and the conservation of genetic resources. Thus, studies on the fate decisions of chicken PGCs have significantly contributed to both academic and industrial development. Furthermore, studies on fate decisions have rapidly advanced owing to the recent development of essential research technologies, such as genome editing and RNA sequencing. Here, we reviewed the status of fate decisions of chicken PGCs and provided insight into other important research issues that require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Ichikawa
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-0046, Hiroshima, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Hiroshima, Japan
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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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Meng L, Zhang Y, Hua Y, Ma Y, Wang H, Li X, Jiang Y, Zhu G. Identification of oogonial stem cells in chicken ovary. Cell Prolif 2022; 56:e13371. [PMID: 36526415 PMCID: PMC9977656 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oogonial stem cells (OSCs) are germ cells that can sustain neo-oogenesis to replenish the pool of primary follicles in adult ovaries. In lower vertebrates, fresh oocytes are produced by numerous OSCs through mitosis and meiosis during each reproduction cycle, but the OSCs in adult mammals are rare. The birds have retained many conserved features and developed unique features of ovarian physiology during evolution, and the presence of OSCs within avian species remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we investigated the existence and function of OSCs in adult chickens. The chicken OSCs were isolated and expanded in culture. We then used cell transplantation system to evaluate their potential for migration and differentiation in vivo. RESULTS DDX4/SSEA1-positive OSCs were identified in both the cortex and medulla of the adult chicken ovary. These putative OSCs undergo meiosis in the reproductively active ovary. Furthermore, the isolated OSCs were expanded in vitro for months and found to express germline markers similar to those of primordial germ cells. When transplanted into the bloodstream of recipient embryos, these OSCs efficiently migrated into developing gonads, initiated meiosis, and then derived oocytes in postnatal ovaries. CONCLUSIONS This study has confirmed the presence of functional OSCs in birds for the first time. The identification of chicken OSCs has great potential for improving egg laying and preserving endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Meng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina,College of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yun Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Yao Hua
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina,College of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuxiao Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Heng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Xianyao Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Yunliang Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina
| | - Guiyu Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary MedicineShandong Agricultural UniversityTaianChina,College of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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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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Ichikawa K, Nakamura Y, Bono H, Ezaki R, Matsuzaki M, Horiuchi H. Prediction of sex-determination mechanisms in avian primordial germ cells using RNA-seq analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13528. [PMID: 35978076 PMCID: PMC9385715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, sex is determined through cell-autonomous mechanisms and various factors, such as the dosage of DMRT1. While the sex-determination mechanism in gonads is well known, the mechanism in germ cells remains unclear. In this study, we explored the gene expression profiles of male and female primordial germ cells (PGCs) during embryogenesis in chickens to predict the mechanism underlying sex determination. Male and female PGCs were isolated from blood and gonads with a purity > 96% using flow cytometry and analyzed using RNA-seq. Prior to settlement in the gonads, female circulating PGCs (cPGCs) obtained from blood displayed sex-biased expression. Gonadal PGCs (gPGCs) also exhibited sex-biased expression, and the number of female-biased genes detected was higher than that of male-biased genes. The female-biased genes in gPGCs were enriched in some metabolic processes. To reveal the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of female-biased genes in gPGCs, we performed stimulation tests. Retinoic acid stimulation of cultured gPGCs derived from male embryos resulted in the upregulation of several female-biased genes. Overall, our results suggest that sex determination in avian PGCs involves aspects of both cell-autonomous and somatic-cell regulation. Moreover, it appears that sex determination occurs earlier in females than in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Ichikawa
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-0046, Japan.
| | - Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Bono
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Ryo Ezaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Mei Matsuzaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-0046, Japan.,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
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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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