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Improving porcine SCNT efficiency by selecting donor cells size
Deling Jiao1,2,3, Wenmin Cheng1,2,3, Xiaolin Zhang1,2,3
1Key laboratory for porcine gene editing and xenotransplantation in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.
Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|September 29, 2021
Summary
Selecting small porcine fetal fibroblast cells (PFFs) under 13 μm significantly improves somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) efficiency in pigs. These smaller cells exhibit better biological characteristics and enhance embryo development, leading to higher blastocyst rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) efficiency is limited, hindering advancements in swine reproduction and biotechnology.
- The impact of donor cell size on SCNT outcomes in pigs has not been thoroughly investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal size of porcine fetal fibroblast (PFF) donor cells for improving SCNT efficiency.
- To evaluate the biological characteristics and developmental potential of PFFs based on their size.
Main Methods:
- Porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs) were categorized into small (≤13 μm), medium (13–18 μm), and large (>18 μm) size groups.
- Biological characteristics, including morphology, proliferation, cell cycle, senescence, and apoptosis rates, were analyzed for each group.
- SCNT was performed using PFFs from different size groups to assess reconstructed embryo development, focusing on cleavage and blastocyst rates.
Main Results:
- Small PFFs (≤13 μm) displayed superior morphology, growth, proliferation, and lower senescence and apoptosis rates compared to medium and large cells.
- SCNT using small PFFs resulted in significantly higher cleavage rates and significantly greater blastocyst formation rates and cell numbers.
- Large PFFs (>18 μm) showed morphological abnormalities and reduced developmental potential.
Conclusions:
- Donor cell size is a critical factor influencing porcine SCNT efficiency.
- Small PFFs (diameter <13 μm) are the most suitable for SCNT in pigs, leading to enhanced developmental potential of reconstructed embryos.
- Optimizing donor cell selection based on size can significantly improve SCNT success rates in swine.
