Characterization of hematopoietic stem cells from the canine yolk sac

The characterization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from the canine yolk sac (cYS) can contribute to future gene therapies because it is possible to obtain information about the beginning of the development of the circulatory system through the characterization. The cYS is a likely source of HSC, which is a source of blood cell development in mammals. Studies in this field have been conducted for decades; however, interest in cellular therapy is currently at its peak with greater visibility, and these cells are a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of diseases related to animals and humans. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize HSC from the cYS embryos at 30 to 45 days of gestational age. Our results showed that the cYS was macroscopically located in the ventral region with a central portion and extremities. The cells in culture presented a circular morphology and cell clusters. The average cell viability was 22.55% dead cells out of 6.5 × 104 total cells. The cells were also able to form colonies on methylcellulose. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the expression of CD34, CD117, and CD45. Our results suggest that the cYS can be used as a source of hematopoietic cells, and this study is very important to understand the mechanism and development of the hematopoietic system in dogs.(AU)

Characterization of hematopoietic stem cells from the canine yolk sac

Abstract The characterization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from the canine yolk sac (cYS) can contribute to future gene therapies because it is possible to obtain information about the beginning of the development of the circulatory system through the characterization. The cYS is a likely source of HSC, which is a source of blood cell development in mammals. Studies in this field have been conducted for decades; however, interest in cellular therapy is currently at its peak with greater visibility, and these cells are a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of diseases related to animals and humans. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize HSC from the cYS embryos at 30 to 45 days of gestational age. Our results showed that the cYS was macroscopically located in the ventral region with a central portion and extremities. The cells in culture presented a circular morphology and cell clusters. The average cell viability was 22.55% dead cells out of 6.5 × 104 total cells. The cells were also able to form colonies on methylcellulose. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the expression of CD34, CD117, and CD45. Our results suggest that the cYS can be used as a source of hematopoietic cells, and this study is very important to understand the mechanism and development of the hematopoietic system in dogs.

Somatic feather follicle cell culture of the gallus domesticus species for creating a wild bird genetic resource bank

The creation of a genetic resource bank of avian species aims to prevent the decline and fragmentation of wild bird populations, which in turn lead to the loss of genetic diversity and, in more serious cases, the extinction of the most threatened species. In order for the collected genetic material to be stored in a bank and useful when necessary, it is essential to improve the technique ensuring its effectiveness. Thus, our study used feather follicle cells from the domestic gallus species to standardize the technique of cell culture and subsequent cryopreservation. This study aimed to establish a protocol, in vitro, of isolation and primary culture of somatic cells derived from the feather follicle, with the purpose of establishing a cell lineage, and evaluate its viability for the biobank formation. Developing feathers of gallus domesticus were collected at 12, 21 and 34 days of age. The feathers were morphologically analyzed and then we selected the region of the calamus due to the presence of pulp for cell culture and cryopreservation. The results showed that it is possible to find cells with distinct morphology; cells in elliptical shape with central nucleus also in elliptical shape, cells with shape and round nucleus, cells compatible with the fibers of the barbules, cell agglomerates and cells adhered to the bottom of the plate with fibroblastatoid shape. After 24 hours of culture there was the presence of primary culture with 80% of confluence and after cryopreservation the average viability after freezing was 68.8%, with cellular morphologies being maintained. Therefore, we proved the isolation of somatic cells from the follicle of bird’s feathers, suggesting that this is a source of great value, viable and effective for obtaining biological material for the elaboration of a biobank.

Somatic feather follicle cell culture of the gallus domesticus species for creating a wild bird genetic resource bank

The creation of a genetic resource bank of avian species aims to prevent the decline and fragmentation of wild bird populations, which in turn lead to the loss of genetic diversity and, in more serious cases, the extinction of the most threatened species. In order for the collected genetic material to be stored in a bank and useful when necessary, it is essential to improve the technique ensuring its effectiveness. Thus, our study used feather follicle cells from the domestic gallus species to standardize the technique of cell culture and subsequent cryopreservation. This study aimed to establish a protocol, in vitro, of isolation and primary culture of somatic cells derived from the feather follicle, with the purpose of establishing a cell lineage, and evaluate its viability for the biobank formation. Developing feathers of gallus domesticus were collected at 12, 21 and 34 days of age. The feathers were morphologically analyzed and then we selected the region of the calamus due to the presence of pulp for cell culture and cryopreservation. The results showed that it is possible to find cells with distinct morphology; cells in elliptical shape with central nucleus also in elliptical shape, cells with shape and round nucleus, cells compatible with the fibers of the barbules, cell agglomerates and cells adhered to the bottom of the plate with fibroblastatoid shape. After 24 hours of culture there was the presence of primary culture with 80% of confluence and after cryopreservation the average viability after freezing was 68.8%, with cellular morphologies being maintained. Therefore, we proved the isolation of somatic cells from the follicle of birds feathers, suggesting that this is a source of great value, viable and effective for obtaining biological material for the elaboration of a biobank.(AU)

Oocytes, embryos and pluripotent stem cells from a biomedical perspective

The veterinary and animal science professions are rapidly developing and their inherent and historical connection to agriculture is challenged by more biomedical and medical directions of research. While some consider this development as a risk of losing identity, it may also be seen as an opportunity for developing further and more sophisticated competences that may ultimately feed back to veterinary and animal science in a synergistic way. The present review describes how agriculture-related studies on bovine in vitro embryo production through studies of putative bovine and porcine embryonic stem cells led the way to more sophisticated studies of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using e.g. gene editing for modeling of neurodegeneration in man. However, instead of being a blind diversion from veterinary and animal science into medicine, these advanced studies of human iPSC-derived neurons build a set of competences that allowed us, in a more competent way, to focus on novel aspects of more veterinary and agricultural relevance in the form of porcine and canine iPSCs. These types of animal stem cells are of biomedical importance for modeling of iPSC-based therapy in man, but in particular the canine iPSCs are also important for understanding and modeling canine diseases, as e.g. canine cognitive dysfunction, for the benefit and therapy of dogs.

Oocytes, embryos and pluripotent stem cells from a biomedical perspective

The veterinary and animal science professions are rapidly developing and their inherent and historical connection to agriculture is challenged by more biomedical and medical directions of research. While some consider this development as a risk of losing identity, it may also be seen as an opportunity for developing further and more sophisticated competences that may ultimately feed back to veterinary and animal science in a synergistic way. The present review describes how agriculture-related studies on bovine in vitro embryo production through studies of putative bovine and porcine embryonic stem cells led the way to more sophisticated studies of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using e.g. gene editing for modeling of neurodegeneration in man. However, instead of being a blind diversion from veterinary and animal science into medicine, these advanced studies of human iPSC-derived neurons build a set of competences that allowed us, in a more competent way, to focus on novel aspects of more veterinary and agricultural relevance in the form of porcine and canine iPSCs. These types of animal stem cells are of biomedical importance for modeling of iPSC-based therapy in man, but in particular the canine iPSCs are also important for understanding and modeling canine diseases, as e.g. canine cognitive dysfunction, for the benefit and therapy of dogs.(AU)

Estado atual da conservação a 4°C de tecidos somáticos derivados da pele em mamíferos / Current status of conservation at 4°C of somatic tissues derived from the skin in mammals

A clonagem por transferência nuclear de células somáticas consiste em uma atraente ferramenta para a conservação e multiplicação de espécies. A eficiência desta biotécnica depende da obtenção e seleção de células doadoras de núcleo derivadas da pele de indivíduos de interesse. Em alguns mamíferos encontrados em regiões de difícil acesso ou distantes de laboratórios especializados, o armazenamento a 4°C de tecidos somáticos da pele seria uma alternativa para a conservação do material genético desses animais. Contudo, o emprego desta técnica depende de alguns fatores, como os períodos e as condições de armazenamento a 4°C das amostras, os quais podem influenciar na recuperação das células após cultivo in vitro dos tecidos. Em mamíferos domésticos, estudos têm mostrado variações quanto ao período de estocagem e a presença de meio nutritivo. Já em mamíferos silvestres, apenas são relatados o uso da refrigeração como ferramenta de transporte em curto prazo. Assim, o objetivo desta revisão é apresentar as diferentes condições de armazenamento a 4°C de tecidos somáticos, evidenciando a importância dessa técnica para a conservação da biodiversidade.(AU)

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is an attractive tool for conservation and multiplication of species. The efficiency of this biotechnique depends on the obtaining and selection of nucleus donor cells derived from the skin of individuals of interest. In some mammals found in regions difficult to access or distant from specialized laboratories, the storage at 4°C of somatic tissues of the skin would be an alternative for the conservation of the genetic material of these animals. Nevertheless, the use of this technique depends on some factors, such as periods and storage conditions at 4°C of the samples, which may influence the recovery of the cells after tissue culture in vitro. In domestic mammals, studies have shown variations regarding the period of storage and the presence of nutrient medium. Already, in wild mammals, only is related the use of refrigeration as transportation tool in the short term. Thus, the aim of this review is to present the different conditions of storage at 4°C of somatic tissues, evidencing the importance of this technique for the conservation of biodiversity.(AU)

Estado atual da conservação a 4°C de tecidos somáticos derivados da pele em mamíferos / Current status of conservation at 4°C of somatic tissues derived from the skin in mammals

A clonagem por transferência nuclear de células somáticas consiste em uma atraente ferramenta para a conservação e multiplicação de espécies. A eficiência desta biotécnica depende da obtenção e seleção de células doadoras de núcleo derivadas da pele de indivíduos de interesse. Em alguns mamíferos encontrados em regiões de difícil acesso ou distantes de laboratórios especializados, o armazenamento a 4°C de tecidos somáticos da pele seria uma alternativa para a conservação do material genético desses animais. Contudo, o emprego desta técnica depende de alguns fatores, como os períodos e as condições de armazenamento a 4°C das amostras, os quais podem influenciar na recuperação das células após cultivo in vitro dos tecidos. Em mamíferos domésticos, estudos têm mostrado variações quanto ao período de estocagem e a presença de meio nutritivo. Já em mamíferos silvestres, apenas são relatados o uso da refrigeração como ferramenta de transporte em curto prazo. Assim, o objetivo desta revisão é apresentar as diferentes condições de armazenamento a 4°C de tecidos somáticos, evidenciando a importância dessa técnica para a conservação da biodiversidade.

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is an attractive tool for conservation and multiplication of species. The efficiency of this biotechnique depends on the obtaining and selection of nucleus donor cells derived from the skin of individuals of interest. In some mammals found in regions difficult to access or distant from specialized laboratories, the storage at 4°C of somatic tissues of the skin would be an alternative for the conservation of the genetic material of these animals. Nevertheless, the use of this technique depends on some factors, such as periods and storage conditions at 4°C of the samples, which may influence the recovery of the cells after tissue culture in vitro. In domestic mammals, studies have shown variations regarding the period of storage and the presence of nutrient medium. Already, in wild mammals, only is related the use of refrigeration as transportation tool in the short term. Thus, the aim of this review is to present the different conditions of storage at 4°C of somatic tissues, evidencing the importance of this technique for the conservation of biodiversity.

Alternative strategies for nuclear reprogramming in Somatic Cell Nuclear transfer (SCNT)

Twenty Years passed by since the production of Dolly the sheep, but despite significant technical progress has been achieved in the manipulation procedures, the proportion of offspring following transfer of SCNT embryos has remained almost unchanged in farm animals. Remarkable progress has been obtained instead in laboratory animals, particularly by Japanese Groups, in the mouse. However, the nuclear reprogramming strategies tested in mouse do not always work in farm animals, and others are difficult to be implemented, for require complicated molecular biology tools unavailable yet in large animals. In this review we put in contest the previous work done in farm and laboratory animals with recent achievements obtained in our laboratory, and we also indicate a road map to increase the reliability of SCNT procedures.

Alternative strategies for nuclear reprogramming in Somatic Cell Nuclear transfer (SCNT)

Twenty Years passed by since the production of Dolly the sheep, but despite significant technical progress has been achieved in the manipulation procedures, the proportion of offspring following transfer of SCNT embryos has remained almost unchanged in farm animals. Remarkable progress has been obtained instead in laboratory animals, particularly by Japanese Groups, in the mouse. However, the nuclear reprogramming strategies tested in mouse do not always work in farm animals, and others are difficult to be implemented, for require complicated molecular biology tools unavailable yet in large animals. In this review we put in contest the previous work done in farm and laboratory animals with recent achievements obtained in our laboratory, and we also indicate a road map to increase the reliability of SCNT procedures.(AU)

Effects of oocyte source, cell origin, and embryo reconstruction procedures on in vitro and in vivo embryo survival after goat cloning

The birth of cloned goats has been well documented, but the overall goat cloning efficiency by somatic cell nuclear transfer procedures is still low, which may be further intensified in extreme environments. The aim of this study was to produce cloned goats under the conditions of the Brazilian Semi Arid region, in a transgenic program for the expression of human lysozyme in the milk to target childhood diarrhea and malnutrition, comparing the effects of oocyte source, cell type, and embryo reconstruction procedures on in vitro and in vivo embryo survival after cloning by micromanipulation or by handmade cloning. The use of in vitro-matured oocytes resulted in more viable embryos after cloning than in vivo-matured cytoplasts, but no differences in pregnancy rates on day 23 were seen between oocyte sources (77.5 vs. 77.8%, respectively). The presence or absence of the zona pellucida for embryo reconstruction (78.8 vs. 76.0%, respectively) did not affect pregnancy outcome after transfer. However, pregnancy rate on day 23 was higher for embryos chemically activated by a conventional than a modified protocol (88.1 vs. 50.0%), and for embryos reconstructed with mesenchymal stem cells and fetal fibroblasts (100.0 and 93.3%) than with adult fibroblasts (64.7%). Although most pregnancies were lost, the birth of a cloned female was obtained from embryos reconstructed by micromanipulation using non-transgenic control cells and in vitro-matured oocytes with intact zona pellucida, after conventional activation and transfer at the 1-cell stage.

Effects of oocyte source, cell origin, and embryo reconstruction procedures on in vitro and in vivo embryo survival after goat cloning

The birth of cloned goats has been well documented, but the overall goat cloning efficiency by somatic cell nuclear transfer procedures is still low, which may be further intensified in extreme environments. The aim of this study was to produce cloned goats under the conditions of the Brazilian Semi Arid region, in a transgenic program for the expression of human lysozyme in the milk to target childhood diarrhea and malnutrition, comparing the effects of oocyte source, cell type, and embryo reconstruction procedures on in vitro and in vivo embryo survival after cloning by micromanipulation or by handmade cloning. The use of in vitro-matured oocytes resulted in more viable embryos after cloning than in vivo-matured cytoplasts, but no differences in pregnancy rates on day 23 were seen between oocyte sources (77.5 vs. 77.8%, respectively). The presence or absence of the zona pellucida for embryo reconstruction (78.8 vs. 76.0%, respectively) did not affect pregnancy outcome after transfer. However, pregnancy rate on day 23 was higher for embryos chemically activated by a conventional than a modified protocol (88.1 vs. 50.0%), and for embryos reconstructed with mesenchymal stem cells and fetal fibroblasts (100.0 and 93.3%) than with adult fibroblasts (64.7%). Although most pregnancies were lost, the birth of a cloned female was obtained from embryos reconstructed by micromanipulation using non-transgenic control cells and in vitro-matured oocytes with intact zona pellucida, after conventional activation and transfer at the 1-cell stage.(AU)

Super absorbent polymer application in seeds and planting furrow: it will be a new opportunity for rainfed agriculture / Polímero superabsorvente em sementes e no sulco de plantio: uma nova oportunidade para agricultura de sequeiro

Brazil is the fourth largest grain producer in the world. Its agriculture is mainly rainfed, with two cropping seasons per year. While the first crop (i.e., spring/summer) receives greater precipitation, the second crop (i.e., autumn/winter) is associated with greater risk of crop failure mainly due to the low rainfall, suggesting that technologies that could optimize water use during that period are needed. Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are used in the forestry sector to reduce seedling mortality and the frequency of irrigation of eucalyptus and pinus glue owing to their ability to increase water storage capacity in the soil. However, to our knowledge, very little is known about the use of PSA in annual agricultural crops. To this end, the effects of PSA, as a seed coat or applied in the planting grooves, on the initial development of sorghum seedlings under conditions of water deficit were evaluated in two experiments under greenhouse conditions. In experiment 1, sorghum seeds with and without PSA coating were seeded in trays and subjected to three irrigation intervals to induce water deficit. The percentage of emergence and emergence speed index were evaluated and, at 26 days after sowing, seedling height, number of leaves per plant, survival rate, and dry mass of shoot and root were evaluated. In experiment 2, the seeds of sorghum with and without PSA coating were sown in pots, with SAP applied in the plantinggrooves. At 30 days after sowing, the plant stand, number of leaves per plant, plant height, and dry mattermass of leaves, stem, and root were evaluated. The results showed that SAP applied both as a seed coatand in planting grooves increased seedling growth and dry mass of aerial parts at 26 days and 30 daysfor experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, seed coating with SAP increased plant survival rate,but reduced the rate of seedling emergence in both experiments...(AU)

O Brasil é o quarto maior produtor de grãos no mundo. Sua agricultura é baseada em cultivos de sequeiro, com duas safras por ano. A segunda safra é a mais afetada, por estar associada à maiores riscos climáticos, principalmente pela baixa pluviosidade nos meses de janeiro à abril. Nesse sentido, tecnologias que otimizem o uso da água podem reduzir os riscos de quebra de safra. O uso de polímeros superabsorventes (PSA) vem sendo consolidado no setor florestal, visando reduzir a mortalidade de mudas e a frequência de irrigações de pegamento de eucalipto e pinus devido ao aumento da capacidade de armazenamento de água no solo. Entretanto, não há relatos sobre o uso do PSA em culturas anuais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do PSA como revestimento de sementes e no sulco de plantio no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de sorgo sob condições de déficit hídrico. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos em casa de vegetação. No experimento 1, sementes de sorgo com e sem revestimento com PSA foram semeadas em bandejas e submetidas a três intervalos de irrigação para induzir déficit hídrico nas plântulas. Avaliou-se a porcentagem de emergência e o índice de velocidade de emergência e, aos 26 dias após a semeadura, foram avaliadas a altura de plântulas, número de folhas por planta, taxa de sobrevivência e massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz. No experimento 2 foram semeadas em vasos sementes de sorgo com e sem revestimento com PSA e também a aplicação do PSA no sulco deplantio, a fim de avaliar o uso e o método de aplicação do PSA. Aos 30 dias após a semeadura avaliouseo estande de plantas, número de folhas por planta, altura de plantas e massa de matéria seca dasfolhas, do colmo e da raiz. Observou-se que o uso do PSA aplicado tanto via revestimento como nosulco de plantio, contribuiu para que as plântulas tivessem maior crescimento e massa seca de parteaérea. Além disso, as plântulas cujas sementes foram revestidas com PSA apresentaram maior...(AU)

Achievements and unmet promises of assisted reproduction technologies in large animals: a personal perspective

This paper gives an overview of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in livestock species coming from the author’s direct experience and contribution to the development of several of them. The assessment is conducted on the basis of the progress achieved since the early eighties and the impact on the clinical/practical use of such procedures. Artificial insemination (AI) is still the leading technology used on a large scale in livestock with most favourable cost benefit ratio. All the other ARTs have niche applications compared to AI. Significant progress has been achieved in embryo culture, somatic cell nuclear transfer and on the identification of the many unknown variables affecting the success rate, while in areas such as superovulation, oocyte maturation, IVF, embryonic stem cells and cryopreservation progress has been limited or absent. It is the opinion of the author that ARTs have reached a plateau whereby only minimal improvement of efficiency can be achieved. Significant advances can only come from major breakthrough in the understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms.

Achievements and unmet promises of assisted reproduction technologies in large animals: a personal perspective

This paper gives an overview of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in livestock species coming from the authors direct experience and contribution to the development of several of them. The assessment is conducted on the basis of the progress achieved since the early eighties and the impact on the clinical/practical use of such procedures. Artificial insemination (AI) is still the leading technology used on a large scale in livestock with most favourable cost benefit ratio. All the other ARTs have niche applications compared to AI. Significant progress has been achieved in embryo culture, somatic cell nuclear transfer and on the identification of the many unknown variables affecting the success rate, while in areas such as superovulation, oocyte maturation, IVF, embryonic stem cells and cryopreservation progress has been limited or absent. It is the opinion of the author that ARTs have reached a plateau whereby only minimal improvement of efficiency can be achieved. Significant advances can only come from major breakthrough in the understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms.(AU)

Aplicações da clonagem e transgênese em pequenos ruminantes / Cloning and transgenesis applied to small ruminants

Transgenic animals are those animals which are genetically modified. A foreign gene is inserted intothese animals to see certain characteristics. These animals can be helpful in producing organs, growthhormones and useful proteins for the humans. Transgenic farm animals were first developed in 1985 and wereuseful in the production of biopharmaceuticals shortly thereafter. The ideal transgenic animal produces plentyof milk, and has relatively short generation times. Thus, small ruminants have been selected for a number ofreasons, the chief of which is the short generational time of 18 months. Thus, this review aims to present thecharacteristics and main applications of transgenesis and cloning in small ruminants.(AU)

Aplicações da clonagem e transgênese em pequenos ruminantes / Cloning and transgenesis applied to small ruminants

Transgenic animals are those animals which are genetically modified. A foreign gene is inserted intothese animals to see certain characteristics. These animals can be helpful in producing organs, growthhormones and useful proteins for the humans. Transgenic farm animals were first developed in 1985 and wereuseful in the production of biopharmaceuticals shortly thereafter. The ideal transgenic animal produces plentyof milk, and has relatively short generation times. Thus, small ruminants have been selected for a number ofreasons, the chief of which is the short generational time of 18 months. Thus, this review aims to present thecharacteristics and main applications of transgenesis and cloning in small ruminants.

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bovine Wharton's jelly and their potential for use in cloning by nuclear transfer / Isolamento e caracterização de células tronco mesenquimais derivadas de geléia de Wharton bovina e seu potencial para uso na clonagem por transferência nuclear

Wharton's jelly is a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that had not yet been tested for bovine embryo production by nuclear transfer (NT). Thus, the objective of this study was to isolate, characterize and test MSCs derived from Wharton's jelly for embryo and pregnancy production by NT in cattle. The umbilical cord was collected during calving and cells derived from Wharton's jelly (WJCs) were isolated by explant and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium. Skin Fibroblasts (FB) were isolated after 6 months of life. Morphological analysis was performed by bright field and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) during cell culture. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and differentiation induction in cell lineages were performed for WJC. In the NT procedure, oocytes at the arrested metaphase II stage were enucleated using micromanipulators, fused with WJCs or FB and later activated artificially. SEM micrographs revealed that WJCs have variable shape under culture. Mesenchymal markers of MSCs (CD29+, CD73+, CD90+ and CD105+) were expressed in bovine-derived WJC cultures, as evidenced by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. When induced, these cells differentiated into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. After classification, the WJCs were used in NT. Blastocyst formation rate by NT with WJCs at day 7 was 25.80±0.03%, similar to blatocyst rate with NT using skin fibroblasts (19.00±0.07%). Pregnancies were obtained and showed that WJCs constitute a new cell type for use in animal cloning.(AU)

A geleia de Wharton é uma fonte de células tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) que ainda não havia sido testada para a produção de embriões bovinos por transferência nuclear (TN). O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar, caracterizar e testar as CTMs derivadas da geleia de Wharton para produção de embriões e gestações por transferência nuclear em bovinos. O cordão umbilical foi coletado durante o nascimento e as células derivadas da geleia de Wharton (CGWs) foram isoladas por explante e cultivadas em Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium. Fibroblastos (FB) da pele foram isolados após 6 meses de vida. As análises morfológicas foram realizadas pelas microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura durante o cultivo celular. Caracterização fenotípica e genotípica por citometria de fluxo, imunocitoquímica, RT-PCR e indução da diferenciação em linhagens celulares foi realizada com as CGWs. No procedimento de TN, ovócitos no estágio de metáfase II foram enucleados usando micromanipuladores, fusionados com CGWs ou FB e então ativados artificialmente. Micrografias de microscopia de varredura revelaram que CGWs tiveram forma variada sob cultivo. Os marcadores mesenquimais de CTMs (CD29+, CD73+, CD90+ and CD105+) foram expressos em cultura de CGWs bovina, como evidenciado por citometria de fluxo, imunocitoquímica e RT-PCR. Quando induzidas, estas células diferenciaram-se em osteócitos, condrócitos e adipócitos. Após classificação, as CGWs foram utilizadas na TN. A taxa de formação de blastocistos por TN com CGWs no sétimo dia de cultivo foi de 25,80±0,03%, similar a produção de blastócitos por TN com fibroblastos de pele (19,00±0,07). Gestações foram obtidas e mostraram que CGWs constituem um novo tipo celular para ser usado na clonagem animal.(AU)

UTILIZAÇÃO DE PLASMA RICO EM PLAQUETAS NA PRODUÇÃO IN VITRO DE EMBRIÕES BOVINOS

Um dos aspectos relevantes a se considerar para o sucesso durante a produção in vitro (PIV) de embriões é a constituição dos meios que compõem as etapas da biotecnologia reprodutiva. Os meios precisam suprir as necessidades metabólicas tanto dos gametas, durante a maturação oocitária e capacitação espermática, quanto do embrião durante as primeiras divisões celulares. A maior parte dos protocolos de PIV utiliza algum soro sanguíneo na composição dos meios como fonte de hormônios, proteínas, fatores de crescimento e nutrientes. Por outro lado, o soro contém citocinas, vitaminas e muitas outras substâncias que podem afetar a maturação, a fertilização e o desenvolvimento embrionário. Diversos trabalhos vêm reportando a utilização de Plasma Rico em Plaquetas (PRP) como alternativa para utilização de soros fetais durante o cultivo de células, principalmente de células tronco. Outros estudos demonstraram que o PRP está repleto de fatores de crescimento, como FGF, TGF, PDGF, IGF e EGF, bem como fatores de ligação como fibrinogênio e serotonina, vitais para a cultura celular e foliculogênese. Portanto, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a utilização de PRP em substituição ao soro fetal bovino (SFB) durante a maturação de oócitos utilizados na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. Os complexos cúmulos-oócitos (CCOs) foram distribuídos nos seguintes grupos experimentais durante a maturação in vitro (MIV): Grupo G1 (Meio de MIV com adição de 5% de PRP); Grupo G2 (Meio de MIV com adição de 5% de PRP mais 5% de SFB); Grupo G3 (Meio de MIV com adição de 5% de SFB); e grupo G4 (Meio de MIV sem adição de PRP e/ou SFB); . Após 20 horas de maturação, os CCOs foram passados para a placa de fecundação contendo o meio TALP FERT livre de soros. Aproximadamente 24 horas após a fertilização, os prováveis zigotos foram transferidos para gotas com meio SOF (Synthetic fluid oviduct) contendo 10% de SFB. foram avaliadas as taxas de clivagem e formação de blastocistos nos dias 2 e 7, do desenvolvimento embrionário, respectivamente. Também foi avaliada a qualidade dos CCOs maturados a partir da análise de expressão gênica de alguns marcadores genéticos. Os resultados demonstraram que não houveram diferenças significativas em relação aos grupos experimentais no tocante a taxas de produção de embriões (tanto nas primeiras clivagens quanto na formação de blastocistos) evidenciando que o PRP pode se tornar uma alternativa mais barata na PIVE em comparação ao SFB.

One of the relevant aspects to be considered for success during the in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is the constitution of the means that make up the stages of reproductive biotechnology. The media must meet the metabolic needs of both gametes, during oocyte maturation and sperm formation, and of the embryo during the first cell divisions. Most IVP protocols use some blood serum in the composition of the media as a source of hormones, proteins, growth factors, and nutrients. On the other hand, the serum contains cytokines, vitamins and many other substances that can affect maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development. Several studies have reported the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as an alternative to the use of fetal sera during cell culture, mainly stem cells. Other studies have shown that PRP is full of growth factors, such as FGF, TGF, PDGF, IGF, and EGF, as well as binding factors such as fibrinogen and serotonin, which are vital for cell culture and folliculogenesis. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the use of PRP to replace fetal bovine serum (SFB) during the maturation of oocytes used in the in vitro production of bovine embryos. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (CCOs) were distributed in the following experimental groups during in vitro maturation (IVM): Group G1 (IVM medium with addition of 5% PRP); Group G2 (MIV medium with addition of 5% PRP plus 5% SFB); Group G3 (MIV medium with addition of 5% SFB); and group G4 (MIV medium without addition of PRP and/or SFB). After 20 hours of maturation, the CCOs were passed to the fertilization plate containing the serum-free TALP FERT medium. Approximately 24 hours after fertilization, the probable zygotes were transferred to drops with SOF (Synthetic fluid oviduct) medium containing 10% SFB. the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation were evaluated on days 2 and 7, of embryonic development, respectively. The quality of matured CCOs was also evaluated from the analysis of gene expression of some genetic markers. The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences in relation to the experimental groups regarding embryo production rates (both in the first cleavages and in the formation of blastocysts), showing that PRP can become a cheaper alternative in PIVE compared to SFB

Effectiveness of microwell-based in vitro culture systems for zona-free cloned bovine embryos

Background: Modified embryo in vitro culture (IVC) systems have been devised for the culture of individual embryos, suchas in microdroplets, capillary tubes, or co-cultures systems. However, the development of the Well-of-the-Well (WOW)system takes advantage of both the individual and the grouped culture systems, as embryos are cultured into microwellsdisposed into a larger well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo developmental potential of handmade cloning (HMC)-derived cloned bovine embryos after the IVC in three microwell (WOW) systems.Material, Methods & Results: Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated after subcutaneous biopsy from a Nellore adult female were used as nucleus donor cells for cloning. Collected adipose tissue was incubated in0.075% collagenase for 60 min at 39oC. After digestion, cell suspension was centrifuged at 80 g for 10 min, supernatantwas discarded, and 2 mL of Red Blood Cells Lysis Buffer (RBC) was added to the pellet, remaining for 2 min. The RBCbuffer was diluted with 20 mL PBS, with cell suspension spun at 80 g for 5 min. Supernatant was discarded and the pelletre-suspended in DMEM culture medium + 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). Following cell counting, 5 x 105 cells were seededin 25-cm² bottles containing 6 mL DMEM + 10% FCS, and cultured at 38.3°C, 5% CO2 in air and saturated humidity.After IVM, oocytes were denuded and incubated in demecolcine, followed by zona pellucida removal, oocyte bisection,embryo reconstruction, electrofusion and chemical activation. Cloned embryos were allocated to one of three IVC groups:cWOW: conventional microwells (250 µm, round); mWOW: modified microwells (130 µm, conical); and WOW-PDMS:microwells in polydimethylsiloxane chips (170 µm, cylindrical, with interconnecting microchannels); IVF embryos wereused as controls. Cleavage (D2), blastocyst (D7) and pregnancy (D30) rates were analyzed by the χ2 test, for P < 0.05...(AU)