Despite the apparent differences between humans and cats, they share several similar health conditions. However, veterinary regenerative medicine has not reached the same level of advancement as human healthcare. A promising avenue for addressing this gap lies in embryonic stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells and be used to repair internal damage. These cells are also similar in nature to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which have gained significant attention for their regenerative potential.
While research has recently succeeded in generating iPS cells for felines, embryonic stem cells have remained elusive. As a result, the development of these cell lines is crucial for advancing the quality and applications of iPS cells in veterinary care.
A groundbreaking study led by Professor Shingo Hatoya of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science marks a significant step forward. His team successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells from lab-grown blastocysts. To achieve this, the researchers performed in vitro fertilization using sperm and oocytes collected from discarded reproductive organs during feline sterilization surgeries.
By isolating the inner cell mass from blastocyst-stage embryos and culturing them, the team was able to generate high-quality feline embryonic stem cells. These cells can be maintained in an undifferentiated state and possess the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers: endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm.
“Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, so we believe that conducting comparative studies with iPS cells will help advance veterinary regenerative medicine,” said Professor Hatoya. “The successful establishment of feline embryonic stem cells in this study can push veterinary regenerative medicine forward by enabling comparisons with feline iPS cells. Additionally, the ability to derive sperm and oocytes from these cells could play a vital role in conserving endangered wild cat species.”
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