An investigation of primordial germ cell development in embryo and larvae of Huso huso

In sturgeons, Primordial Germ Cells originate from the vegetal pole of the egg. They migrate toward genital ridges during developmental stages and finally differentiate into gametes (the only cells that transmit genetic information). In this study, the cells were isolated from the place of migration of primordial germ cells in Huso huso’s larvae during two stages before and after absorption of the yolk sac by enzymatic digestion. The obtained cell suspensions were cultured for three weeks in L-15 and DMEM medium. The number and diameter of colonies were compared in two culture systems. Expression of Nanos and Vasa genes was measured during different days of culture by qPCR method. To preserve PGCs for a long time, cryopreservation was operated by Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Ethylene glycol. The results showed that the number and diameter of colonies increased in the group after absorbing yolk sac in both L-15 and DMEM medium. The chance of survival for the cells after melting was significantly higher in the presence of DMSO rather than presence of EG. Given the long reproductive cycle and the long time it takes to reach sexual maturity, this method can be used to transplant cultured PGCs into the gonad of species with a short reproductive cycle.