Publikationsdatenbank

Progress toward genetic rescue of the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) (2025)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Korody, Marisa L.

Hildebrandt, Thomas B. (WE 18)

Quelle

Annual review of animal biosciences

Bandzählung: 13

Heftzählung: 1

Seiten: 483 – 505

ISSN: 2165-8110

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-animal-111523-102158

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-111523-102158

Pubmed: 39531386

Kontakt

Nutztierklinik

Königsweg 65
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62261
klauentierklinik@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

The northern white rhinoceros (NWR) is functionally extinct, with only two nonreproductive females remaining. However, because of the foresight of scientists, cryopreserved cells and reproductive tissues may aid in the recovery of this species. An ambitious program of natural and artificial gametes and in vitro embryo generation was first outlined in 2015, and many of the proposed steps have been achieved. Multiple induced pluripotent stem cell lines have been established, primordial germ cell-like cells have been generated, oocytes have been collected from the remaining females, blastocysts have been cryopreserved, and the closely related southern white rhinoceros (SWR) is being established as a surrogate. Recently, the first successful embryo transfer in SWR demonstrated that embryos can be generated by in vitro fertilization and cryopreserved. We explore progress to date in using advanced cellular technologies to save the NWR and highlight the necessary next steps to ensure a viable population for reintroduction. We roll out a holistic rescue approach for a charismatic megavertebrate that includes the most advanced cellular technologies, which can provide a blueprint for other critically endangered mammals. We also provide a detailed discussion of the remaining questions in such an upgraded conservation program.