Development of Male Endangered Species Germ Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells I. Specific Aims

I. Specific Aims More than 25% of all mammals in the world are considered “threatened” with half of all species showing a downward trend in population and others considered extinct outside of captivity (International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2008 Red List of Threatened Species). This is true despite the numerous traditional conservation strategies that have been employed including captive breeding programs. One significant challenge in endangered species captive breeding programs is the limited number of individuals resulting in small gene pools and unsustainable populations. This situation is further exacerbated by the early deaths of animals, the inability to easily move individuals between zoological parks for breeding and incompatibility between potential mates. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to preserve genetic diversity by generating male germ cells (sperm) from skin fibroblast cells. We will use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), cells closely resembling embryonic stem cells that can turn (or differentiate) into any cell type in the body including germ cells (GCs), to accomplish this goal. Our long term goal is to produce iPSC derived sperm and/or eggs capable of being easily stored and producing offspring. Once accomplished, this system can provide an important tool in breeding programs by: