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Bolton RL, Mooney A, Pettit MT, Bolton AE, Morgan L, Drake GJ, Appeltant R, Walker SL, Gillis JD, Hvilsom C. Resurrecting biodiversity: advanced assisted reproductive technologies and biobanking. Reproduction and Fertility 2022; 3:R121-R146. [PMID: 35928671 PMCID: PMC9346332 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is defined as the presence of a variety of living organisms on the Earth that is essential for human survival. However, anthropogenic activities are causing the sixth mass extinction, threatening even our own species. For many animals, dwindling numbers are becoming fragmented populations with low genetic diversity, threatening long-term species viability. With extinction rates 1000–10,000 times greater than natural, ex situ and in situ conservation programmes need additional support to save species. The indefinite storage of cryopreserved (−196°C) viable cells and tissues (cryobanking), followed by assisted or advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART: utilisation of oocytes and spermatozoa to generate offspring; aART: utilisation of somatic cell genetic material to generate offspring), may be the only hope for species’ long-term survival. As such, cryobanking should be considered a necessity for all future conservation strategies. Following cryopreservation, ART/aART can be used to reinstate lost genetics back into a population, resurrecting biodiversity. However, for this to be successful, species-specific protocol optimisation and increased knowledge of basic biology for many taxa are required. Current ART/aART is primarily focused on mammalian taxa; however, this needs to be extended to all, including to some of the most endangered species: amphibians. Gamete, reproductive tissue and somatic cell cryobanking can fill the gap between losing genetic diversity today and future technological developments. This review explores species prioritisation for cryobanking and the successes and challenges of cryopreservation and multiple ARTs/aARTs. We here discuss the value of cryobanking before more species are lost and the potential of advanced reproductive technologies not only to halt but also to reverse biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon L Bolton
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
| | | | - Matt T Pettit
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
- IMT International Limited, Tattenhall, Chester, UK
| | - Anthony E Bolton
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
| | - Lucy Morgan
- Gemini Genetics, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, UK
| | | | - Ruth Appeltant
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women’s Centre, Level 3, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan L Walker
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
- Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, UK
| | - James D Gillis
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, Yulee, Florida, USA
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Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and cryopreservation of gametes/zygotes, have been developed to improve breeding and reproduction of livestock and for the treatment of human infertility. Their widespread use has contributed to improvements in human health and welfare. However, in dogs, only artificial insemination using frozen semen is readily available as an ART to improve breeding and control genetic diversity. A recent priority in sperm cryopreservation is the development of alternatives to egg yolk, which is widely used as a component of the sperm extender. Egg yolk can vary in composition among batches and is prone to contamination by animal pathogens. The latter can be a problem for international exchange of cryopreserved semen. Low-density lipoprotein and skim milk are promising candidates for use as extenders, to ensure fertility after artificial insemination. Although not tested for its effects on fertility following artificial insemination, polyvinyl alcohol may also be a useful alternative to egg yolk as an extender. The development of cryopreservation techniques for canine embryos lags behind that for other mammals, including humans. However, given the success of non-surgical embryo transfer in 2011, studies have sought to refine this approach for practical use. Research on sperm cryopreservation has yielded satisfactory results. However, investigation of other approaches, such as cryopreservation of oocytes and gonadal tissues, remains insufficient. Techniques for the efficient induction of estrus may aid in the development of successful canine ARTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Suzuki
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Abe
- Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima 727-0023, Japan
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Tharasanit T, Thuwanut P. Oocyte Cryopreservation in Domestic Animals and Humans: Principles, Techniques and Updated Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102949. [PMID: 34679970 PMCID: PMC8533007 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation plays important roles in basic research and the application of models for genetic preservation and in clinical situations. This technology provides long-term storage of gametes for genetic banking and subsequent use with other assisted reproductive technologies. Until recently, oocytes have remained the most difficult cell type to freeze, as the oocytes per se are large with limited surface area to cytoplasm ratio. They are also highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, and therefore the success rate of oocyte cryopreservation is generally poor when compared to noncryopreserved oocytes. Although advancement in oocyte cryopreservation has progressed rapidly for decades, the improvement of cryosurvival and clinical outcomes is still required. This review focuses on the principles, techniques, outcomes and prospects of oocyte cryopreservation in domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
| | - Paweena Thuwanut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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Abstract
Germplasm preservation of animals, whether they are valuable domestic breeds or rare species, is the main goal of gamete cryobanking. Dogs and cats act as models for this purpose thanks to the wide availability of biological material which can be employed to experiment protocols that can then be applied to wild animals. This review is focused on spermatozoa, oocytes and gonadal tissues cryobanking in small domestic animals, which is still an unsolved case. Like in a courtroom, evidences of cryoinjuries affecting cellular structures will be presented, penalties as loss of functionality due to cellular alterations will be described, and appeal as strategies to protect gametes from damages or rescue their functionality will be discussed. Differences and similarities between single cell or tissue cryopreservation will be highlighted, together with the rationale for the choice of one type of preservation or another and the fundamental principles which they are based on. The deep analysis of different aspects that still hamper the success of cryopreservation in small animals can help clarify where research is most needed. Therefore, as in a cold case, investigation should remain open in order to hopefully find the solution and make these procedures more and more efficient in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Cao X, Li J, Xue H, Wang S, Zhao W, Du Z, Yang Y, Yue Z. Effect of vitrification on meiotic maturation, mitochondrial distribution and glutathione synthesis in immature silver fox cumulus oocyte complexes. Theriogenology 2017; 91:104-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Suzuki H. Cryopreservation of canine embryos and resulting pregnancies. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:141-3. [PMID: 23279484 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The assisted reproductive techniques used in dogs have strictly limited utility when compared with other mammals. Although successful somatic cell cloning has been reported, artificial insemination by frozen semen has been only readily available method for improved breeding for companion and working dogs. Recently, successful cryopreservation of embryos and subsequent embryo transfer with a non-surgical technique in dog was reported. Application of embryo cryopreservation and transfer technology could contribute to breeding management in companion dogs, working dogs including guide dogs and drug-detecting dogs and quarantine dogs. Such technology would also facilitate the transportation and storage of genetic materials and aid in the elimination of vertically transmitting diseases in the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Suzuki
- Research Unit for Functional Genomics, National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
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