Stem cell technology for germ cell production

Generation of germ cells from pluripotent stem cells for conservation efforts

Stem cell technology offers an attractive approach to producing germ cells from animal species for various objectives, including conservation efforts. Our lab aims to produce germ cells from pluripotent stem cells of various animal species, including endangered ones, either in vitro or in vivo. For example, we are exploring the possibility of exclusively producing xenogeneic germ cells in animal chimeras in vivo using blastocyst complementation with pluripotent stem cells. As a proof of principle, we recently reported on exclusive rat germ cell production in sterile mice through this approach (external page Zvick et al., Stem Cell Reports, 2022). This endeavour involves collaboration with various labs, biobanks and foundations including the UK-based CryoArks and Nature’s SAFE biobanks, the London Natural History Museum, and a variety of European Zoos.