Publication
Title
The neonatal southern white rhinoceros ovary contains oogonia in germ cell nests
Author
Abstract
The northern white rhinoceros is functionally extinct with only two females left. Establishing methods to culture ovarian tissues, follicles, and oocytes to generate eggs will support conservation efforts using in vitro embryo production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of the structure and molecular signature of any rhinoceros, more specifically, we describe the neonatal and adult southern white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum simum ) ovary; the closest relation of the northern white rhinoceros. Interestingly, all ovaries contain follicles despite advanced age. Analysis of the neonate reveals a population of cells molecularly characterised as mitotically active, pluripotent with germ cell properties. These results indicate that unusually, the neonatal ovary still contains oogonia in germ cell nests at birth, providing an opportunity for fertility preservation. Therefore, utilising ovaries from stillborn and adult rhinoceros can provide cells for advanced assisted reproductive technologies and investigating the neonatal ovaries of other endangered species is crucial for conservation.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Communications Biology
Publication
Nature Publishing Group , 2023
ISSN
2399-3642
DOI
10.1038/S42003-023-05256-5
Volume/pages
6 :1 (2023) , p. 1-12
Article Reference
1049
ISI
001097463800005
Pubmed ID
37848538
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.10.2023
Last edited 04.11.2024
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