Related Experiment Videos
Germline chimeric chickens from dispersed donor blastodermal cells and compromised recipient embryos
R S Carsience1, M E Clark, A M Verrinder Gibbins
1Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|February 1, 1993
Summary
This study demonstrates that injecting donor cells into irradiated White Leghorn blastoderms can create viable chimeric chickens. These chimeras showed both somatic and germline contributions from the donor cells, indicating successful cell integration and potential for genetic transfer.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Avian Genetics
- Chimerism Research
Background:
- Chimerism, the presence of cells from different individuals within a single organism, is a key area in developmental biology.
- Understanding cell integration and contribution is crucial for advancing avian genetics and regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for creating somatic and germline chimeras in chickens using irradiated host blastoderms and donor cells.
- To assess the efficiency of cell integration and the resulting contribution to pigmentation and germline transmission.
Main Methods:
- Stage-X blastoderms from White Leghorn hens were irradiated and injected with Stage-X blastoderm cells from Barred Plymouth Rock hens.
- Embryos and hatched chicks were analyzed for somatic chimerism based on down pigmentation (black for Barred Plymouth Rock, yellow for White Leghorn).
- Mature chimeric birds were bred to assess germline chimerism through offspring phenotype.
Main Results:
- Somatic chimerism was observed in 58% of embryos injected with ~100 cells and 64% of those injected with 200-400 cells.
- Germline chimerism was confirmed in 1 out of 5 female chimeras (from ~100 cell injections) and 3 out of 6 female chimeras (from 200-400 cell injections).
- Two out of nine male chimeras (from ~100 cell injections) also exhibited germline chimerism.
Conclusions:
- Irradiated White Leghorn blastoderms can successfully host donor cells, leading to the development of somatic and germline chimeras.
- The efficiency of chimera formation and germline contribution is influenced by the number of donor cells injected.
- This technique provides a valuable model for studying cell integration and potential applications in avian breeding and genetic research.