Advancing stem cell technologies for conservation of wildlife biodiversity

Abstract

Wildlife biodiversity is essential for healthy, resilient and sustainable ecosystems. For biologists, this diversity also represents a treasure trove of genetic, molecular and developmental mechanisms that deepen our understanding of the origins and rules of life. However, the rapid decline in biodiversity reported recently foreshadows a potentially catastrophic collapse of many important ecosystems and the associated irreversible loss of many forms of life on our planet. Immediate action by conservationists of all stripes is required to avert this disaster. In this Spotlight, we draw together insights and proposals discussed at a recent workshop hosted by Revive & Restore, which gathered experts to discuss how stem cell technologies can support traditional conservation techniques and help protect animal biodiversity. We discuss reprogramming, in vitro gametogenesis, disease modelling and embryo modelling, and we highlight the prospects for leveraging stem cell technologies beyond mammalian species.

Keywords: In vitro gametogenesis; Biodiversity; Conservation; Disease modelling; IPSC; Stem cells.

Fig. 1.

A synergistic approach to wildlife conservation combining stem cell-associated technologies and traditional conservation methods. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming allows efficient biobanking for conservation and supports technologies such as in vitro gametogenesis, disease and embryo modelling. Reproductive material such as gametes and embryos can be difficult to obtain for endangered species, as well as challenging to cryopreserve with high post-thaw viability. Easily cryopreserved, pluripotent stem cells could be used to produce germ cells and contribute to embryo formation. Moreover, pluripotent stem cells are an expandable resource, with rapid proliferation and unlimited self-renewal. In contrast, primary cell lines represent a limited supply incapable of prolonged culture. Owing to their capacity to become disease-pertinent cell types, iPSCs additionally offer a downstream resource for the study and treatment of disease and will be essential tools for bioengineering resilience. Establishing reprogramming protocols now rather than later will be important for identifying problems with sampling, donor and cell type for select species. These stem cell technologies will complement traditional methods such as habitat management, species monitoring, captive breeding and reintroduction (Moloney et al., 2023; Sutherland et al., 2021). Deriving disease-resistant embryos for select endangered species is unlikely to result in recovery for that species without established and suitable habitat. However, habitat management alone may not work fast enough to protect critically endangered species that require reproductive support. Together, these methods can address the extinction crisis driven by human-induced biodiversity loss and promote biodiversity restoration.