Comprehensive insight into chicken germline cells: A review

Genetic information is propagated in the progeny through germ cells. The stem cells which are precursors of these germ cells have the ability of self-renewal and can give rise to pluripotent stem cells under favorable conditions. Avian models are the most convenient systems to study stem cells and can serve as baseline for stem cell technology in human and other species. Chicken embryonic stem cells (cESCs), chicken primordial germ cells (cPGCs) and chicken spermatogonial stem cells (cSSCs) are being employed to elucidate embryonic development, stem cell research, organ transplantation and genetic manipulation. The easy access to embryo and availability of chicken eggs favors the selection of this animal. The naturally available pluripotent stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) can be transformed into desired cell type through genetic manipulation. This review focuses on identification, isolation, culture and application of chicken stem cells and also discusses briefly about induced pluripotent stem cells.