Germ stem cells are the progenitors of gametes that can be isolated and transplanted between phylogenetically related species. The transplantation of these cells presents significant promise in reproductive biotechnology, enabling the production of gametes and offspring of the donor origin through surrogates. Zebrafish are a popular research model due to their beneficial characteristics and extensive genomic resources. Yet, their diminutive size restricts sperm yield. In our research, we leveraged the technique of surrogate production to enhance sperm production in zebrafish by utilizing the larger Devario species, specifically the giant danio, which is three times its size. We extracted spermatogonial cells from mature zebrafish males and introduced them into sterile giant danio larvae. Half a year after the transplantation, the recipient generated sperm of zebrafish with thrice the volume and tenfold the concentration compared to zebrafish. The presented study is the first of its kind to produce zebrafish donor-derived gametes via a surrogate from different genera.
Detailed information can be found in the original article: Enhancement of zebrafish sperm production via a large body-sized surrogate with germ cell transplantation. Communications Biology 6: 412. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04800-7
Picture: Schematic of the study.
Written by: Assoc. Prof. Martin Pšenička
