Embryos and embryonic stem cells from the white rhinoceros

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04959-2
• Publication Date: 2018-06-27T11:17:58Z
• Authors: Thomas B. Hildebr...; Robert Hermes; Silvia Colleoni; Sebastian Diecke; Susanne Holtze; Marilyn B. Renfree; Jan Stejskal; Katsuhiko Hayashi; Micha Drukker; Pasqualino Loi; Frank Göritz; Giovanna Lazzari; Cesare Galli
• Keywords: Rhinoceros; White (mutation); Assisted Reproductive Technology

Abstract The northern white rhinoceros (NWR, Ceratotherium simum cottoni ) is the most endangered mammal in world with only two females surviving. Here we adapt existing assisted reproduction techniques (ART) to fertilize Southern White Rhinoceros (SWR) oocytes NWR spermatozoa. We show that can be repeatedly recovered from live SWR by transrectal ovum pick-up, matured, fertilized intracytoplasmic sperm injection and developed blastocyst stage vitro. Next, generate hybrid embryos vitro using gametes of SWR. also establish embryonic stem cell lines blastocysts. Blastocysts are cryopreserved for later embryo transfer. Our results indicate ART could a viable strategy rescue genes iconic, almost extinct, may have broader impact if applied similar success other large mammalian species.