Generation and characterization of giant panda induced pluripotent stem cells
The giant panda (<i>Ailuropoda melanoleuca</i>) stands as a flagship and umbrella species, symbolizing global biodiversity. While traditional assisted reproductive technology faces constraints in safeguarding the genetic diversity of giant pandas, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) known for their capacity to differentiate into diverse cells types, including germ cells, present a transformative potential for conservation of endangered animals. In this study, primary fibroblast cells were isolated from the giant panda, and giant panda iPSCs (GPiPSCs) were generated using a non-integrating episomal vector reprogramming method. Characterization of these GPiPSCs revealed their state of primed pluripotency and demonstrated their potential for differentiation. Furthermore, we innovatively formulated a species-specific chemically defined FACL medium and unraveled the intricate signaling pathway networks responsible for maintaining the pluripotency and fostering cell proliferation of GPiPSCs. This study provides key insights into rare species iPSCs, offering materials for panda characteristics research and laying the groundwork for in vitro giant panda gamete generation, potentially aiding endangered species conservation.
Authors
- Gaoyang Zou
- Chen Yijiao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7404-8889)
- Jia-Song Chen
- S. N. Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5919-8437)
- Danni Lin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3923-2027)
- Yuliang Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5177-9129)
- Tongying Feng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7928-7707)
- Lu‐Qin Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8071-0093)
- Yán Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4537-7672)
- Donghui Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4099-1924)
- Jing Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1600-7744)
- Mingyue Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2203-1655)
- Hongyan Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7260-2957)
- Manish Kumar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3901-9679)
- Yuan Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3680-4831)
- Junhui An (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2174-6162)
- Rong Hou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9208-8244)
Institutions
- Department of Health (CN)
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (CN)
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (CN)
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (CN)
- Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province (CN)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Science Advances
- Published
- 2024-09-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn7724
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Pluripotent Stem Cells Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.40