Molecular and biological aspects of early germ cell development in interspecies hybrids between chickens and pheasants.
Interspecific hybrids provide insights into fundamental genetic principles, and may prove useful for biotechnological applications and as tools for the conservation of endangered species. In the present study, interspecies hybrids were generated between the Korean ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). We determined whether these hybrids were good recipients for the production of germline chimeric birds. PCR-based species-specific amplification and karyotype analyses showed that the hybrids inherited genetic material from both parents. Evaluation of biological function indicated that the growth rates of hybrids during the exponential phase (body weight/week) were similar to those of the pheasant but not the chicken, and that the incubation period for hatching was significantly different from that of both parents. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) of hybrids reacted with a pheasant PGC-specific antibody and circulated normally in blood vessels. The peak time of hybrid PGC migration was equivalent to that of the pheasant. In late embryonic stages, germ cells were detected by the QCR1 antibody on 15 d male gonads and were normally localized in the seminiferous cords. We examined the migration ability and developmental localization of exogenous PGCs transferred into the blood vessels of 63 h hybrid embryos. Donor-derived PGCs reacted with a donor-specific antibody were detected on 7 d gonads and the seminiferous tubules of hatchlings. Therefore, germ cell transfer into developing embryos of an interspecies hybrid can be efficiently used for the conservation of threatened animals and endangered species, and many biotechnological applications.
WCU Biomodulation Major, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Seok Jin
SJ
Kang
Sea Hwan
SH
Sohn
Kyung Soo
KS
Kang
Hyung Chul
HC
Lee
Seul Ki
SK
Lee
Jin Won
JW
Choi
Jae Yong
JY
Han
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics*; D002678:Chimera / Q000254:growth & development; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000166:cytology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D056727:Endangered Species; D005260:Female; D046094:Galliformes / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000254:growth & development*; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D007621:Karyotyping / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013045:Species Specificity