Pluripotent Stem Cells from Domesticated Mammals.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• Embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are crucial for research and regenerative medicine.
• Deriving pluripotent stem cells from domesticated species presents unique challenges compared to humans and rodents.
• Previous studies have focused on reprogramming somatic cells, but stability issues persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in deriving and utilizing embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from various domesticated animal species.
• To identify the key obstacles hindering the generation of stable pluripotent stem cells in these species.
• To explore the potential applications of these cells in biomedical and agricultural fields.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on ESC and iPSC derivation in pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, cats, and dogs.
• Analysis of reprogramming techniques and stability of pluripotency in generated iPSC.
• Comparative assessment of challenges and successes across different domesticated species.

Main Results:

• Derivation of ESC from domesticated species has been slow and difficult.
• Reprogramming somatic cells to iPSC is more feasible, but most iPSC require continuous transgene expression, limiting their utility.
• Instability of endogenous gene networks essential for pluripotency is a likely cause for these challenges.

Conclusions:

• Achieving stable pluripotency in domesticated animal ESC and iPSC may necessitate precise modifications to culture conditions, including growth factors and signaling inhibitors.
• Further research is needed to overcome current limitations for the effective use of these cells.
• Pluripotent stem cells from domesticated animals hold significant potential for advancing veterinary medicine and agriculture.