Molecular and biological aspects of early germ cell development in interspecies hybrids between chickens and pheasants

• Published in: Theriogenology 2011-03, Vol.75 (4), p.696-706
• Main Authors: Kang, Seok Jin, Sohn, Sea Hwan, Kang, Kyung Soo, Lee, Hyung Chul, Lee, Seul Ki, Choi, Jin Won, Han, Jae Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; blood vessels; body weight; Chicken; chickens; Chickens - genetics; Chimera - growth & development; Conservation of Natural Resources; Embryo, Nonmammalian - cytology; Embryonic Development; Endangered Species; Female; Galliformes - genetics; Gallus gallus; Genotype; germ; germ cells; Germ Cells - growth & development; Germline Chimera; hatching; Hybridization, Genetic; hybrids; incubation period; inheritance (genetics); Interspecies hybrid; Karyotyping - veterinary; Male; Phasianus colchicus; Pheasant; pheasants; Phenotype; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Primordial germ cell (PGC); seminiferous tubules; Species Specificity; White Leghorn
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.10.010

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.