Review
Ecology
Tiffany A. Kosch, Anthony W. Waddle, Caitlin A. Cooper, Kyall R. Zenger, Dorian J. Garrick, Lee Berger, Lee F. Skerratt
Summary: The rate of global wildlife extinctions is increasing, and conservation breeding programs are needed to preserve many species. However, preserving the genetic diversity of founder populations may also preserve characteristics that make them vulnerable to extinction. Targeted genetic intervention (TGI) is introduced as an alternative approach to promote traits that enable species to persist in the face of threats by changing the incidence of alleles that impact fitness.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Masafumi Katayama, Tomokazu Fukuda, Takehito Kaneko, Yuki Nakagawa, Atsushi Tajima, Mitsuru Naito, Hitomi Ohmaki, Daiji Endo, Makoto Asano, Takashi Nagamine, Yumiko Nakaya, Keisuke Saito, Yukiko Watanabe, Tetsuya Tani, Miho Inoue-Murayama, Nobuyoshi Nakajima, Manabu Onuma
Summary: iPSCs from three endangered avian species were developed and characterized as a potential resource for their conservation. These iPSCs showed pluripotency markers, expressed pluripotency-related genes, and differentiated into three germ layers. Despite using the same reprogramming factors, the iPSCs from Japanese ptarmigan displayed different cellular characteristics and contributed to chimeras in chicken embryos. This study provides the first evidence of the potential value of iPSCs as a resource for endangered avian species conservation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Roberto Cogoni, Milos Di Gregorio, Fabio Cianferoni, Enrico Lunghi
Summary: This study conducted the first monitoring activities on the endangered Sette Fratelli cave salamander Speleomantes sarrabusensis in Europe. It estimated the abundance of four populations of S. sarrabusensis, providing crucial data for future status assessments of the species.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
David Q. Andrews, Tasha Stoiber, Alexis M. Temkin, Olga Naidenko
Summary: Global contamination with PFAS poses a threat to human health, the environment, and ecological conservation policies. Studies show that PFAS can harm wildlife, and its effects are consistent with human epidemiological studies. The correlation of cross-species data suggests humans can be regarded as an indicator for PFAS effects in other species. Endangered and threatened species are most vulnerable to PFAS health harms, as they are exposed to PFAS and other toxic pollutants, and also face threats from habitat loss and over-harvesting. Human epidemiological studies offer valuable information on potential impacts of PFAS on wildlife health. Efforts to restrict PFAS discharges and clean up contaminated sites present an opportunity for global wildlife protection and species conservation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chengchuan Zhou, Shiqi Xia, Qiang Wen, Ying Song, Quanquan Jia, Tian Wang, Liting Liu, Tianlin Ouyang
Summary: This study found that the genetic diversity of Ormosia henryi populations in southern China is relatively low, with moderate genetic differentiation and four genetic groups. The populations in southern Jiangxi Province showed high levels of genetic admixture. Due to continuous habitat loss and extremely small effective population size, the endangered status of O. henryi is seriously underestimated, and artificial conservation measures should be taken to prevent extinction.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hannah E. Roberts, Kerry V. Fanson, Naomi Hodgens, Marissa L. Parrott, Pauleen Bennett, La Toya Jamieson
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using detection dogs as a non-invasive method to detect female estrus in a captive breeding program for the endangered Tasmanian devil. The results show that detection dogs can to some extent correctly distinguish between estrus and non-estrus devil fecal samples, providing a promising tool for monitoring reproductive status in wildlife.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Gavin I. Ellis, Neil C. Sheppard, James L. Riley
Summary: Genetically engineered T cell immunotherapies have shown remarkable success in treating B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by using a patient's own T cells to target cancer cells. However, more complex levels of genetic regulation will be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy in future therapies.
NATURE REVIEWS GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yiyang Luo, Keyuan Zheng, Xiaodi Liu, Jialu Tao, Xugao Sun, Yanwen Deng, Xiaomei Deng
Summary: Manglietiastrum sinicum Y.W. Law is a critically endangered species with high ornamental and commercial value. This study optimized the conditions for bud induction, proliferation, and rooting of M. sinicum. The best medium for bud induction was Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.05 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The optimal medium for efficient proliferation and rooting was MSM medium. RAPD and ISSR markers confirmed the genetic uniformity and stability of regenerated plants.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jinjin Chen, Yilan Liu, Patrick Diep, Radhakrishnan Mahadevan
Summary: With increasing global demands and decreasing ore grades, microorganisms are being used more frequently in biomining applications. Acidithiobacillus, a type of extreme acidophile commonly found in mining process waters, has been reported to aid in metal recovery from metal-contaminated sites. However, long leaching cycles and low extraction efficiency are the major disadvantages of biomining.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Piero Cossu, Laura Mura, Gian Luca Dedola, Tiziana Lai, Daria Sanna, Fabio Scarpa, Ilenia Azzena, Nicola Fois, Marco Casu
Summary: Knowledge of genetic diversity and its spatial distribution is crucial for improving conservation plans for endangered species. This study assesses the impact of sample size on genetic diversity metrics within and between populations of the marine endangered species Patella ferruginea using microsatellite genotypes. Within-population metrics are moderately affected by small sample size, but the bias is proportional to the effective population size and gene flow. Increasing sample size enhances the detection of genetic differentiation among populations, but the gain tends to be negligible between 30 and 50 individuals. The study highlights the importance of genetic monitoring in seemingly well-preserved but potentially isolated populations and suggests caution in interpreting genetic patterns based on small sample sizes when genetic differentiation is weak.
Article
Virology
Aya Matsuu, Kandai Doi, Keita Ishijima, Kango Tatemoto, Yushi Koshida, Ayako Yoshida, Kohei Kiname, Akio Iwashita, Shin-ichi Hayama, Ken Maeda
Summary: A study was conducted on Tsushima Island, Japan to investigate the seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) among wild and companion animals. The results showed that a small number of animals, including wild boars and domestic cats, tested positive for anti-SFTSV antibodies, indicating the presence of SFTSV in a limited area of the island. Countermeasures are needed to prevent the spread of SFTSV and protect humans and animals, including the endangered Tsushima leopard cats.
Article
Ecology
Ce Shang, Enze Li, Zhucheng Yu, Mengjia Lian, Zhuo Chen, Kangjia Liu, Linli Xu, Zhe Tong, Meifang Wang, Wenpan Dong
Summary: In this study, the whole chloroplast genomes of 12 genotypes of Bretschneidera sinensis were assembled, revealing significant genetic variation and diversity in the species. The chloroplast genome of B. sinensis exhibited a high level of genetic diversity, forming two distinct clades (Eastern and Western clades) based on the geographical distribution.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michael N. Romanov, Yang Da, Leona G. Chemnick, Steven M. Thomas, Sugandha S. Dandekar, Jeanette C. Papp, Oliver A. Ryder
Summary: Scientists have made a preliminary step towards constructing a genetic lineage map for the critically endangered California condor. This research provides valuable information for genetic and genomic studies as well as conservation efforts for this iconic bird species.
Article
Area Studies
Annie Young Song, Yanran Yao
Summary: This study examines the conditions under which China complies with international norms banning the trade in endangered species, focusing on tiger bones and ivory cases. The authors trace key policies formulated by Chinese policymakers from 1981 to 2018 and find that domestic policy preferences play a crucial role in linking domestic and international norms. The localization process goes beyond a static fitting between domestic and international norms, with implications for wildlife policies in developing countries and China's wildlife policy development post-coronavirus outbreak.
JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY CHINA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Aleona Swegen, Ruth Appeltant, Suzannah A. Williams
Summary: The term 'cloning' has different meanings in different fields of science, such as reproduction in bacteria, horticulture, and molecular technologies in vertebrates. Mammalian cloning can be achieved through various methods, including embryo splitting, somatic cell nuclear transfer, and induced pluripotent stem cells. This review examines the current state and progress of cloning technologies in species other than humans and rodents, to evaluate their readiness and relevance for endangered animal conservation.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Zhao Yi, Muhammad Waseem Ghani, Hammad Ghani, Wu Jiang, Muhammad Waseem Birmani, Li Ye, Liu Bin, Lang Guan Cun, An Lilong, Xiao Mei
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ambreen Iqbal, Jiang Ping, Shaokat Ali, Gao Zhen, Liu Juan, Jin Zi Kang, Pan Ziyi, Lu Huixian, Zhao Zhihui
ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lang Guan Cun, Muhammad Waseem Ghani, Zhao Yi, Wu Jiang, Li Ye, Liu Bin, Muhammad Waseem Birmani, An Lilong, Xiao Mei
Summary: The study demonstrated that supplementation of different combinations of GABA, BMP7, and Activin A in basic culture media can induce the in vitro differentiation of adult rat PDESCs into ICCs containing beta-like cells. The beta-like cells in ICCs were able to secrete insulin and C-peptide upon glucose stimulation, indicating the potential for cell therapy in diabetic patients.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Muhammad Waseem Ghani, Ye Li, Hammad Ghani, Muhammad Waseem Birmani, Bin Liu, Guan Cun Lang, Wenqi Zhang, Mei Xiao
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tao Xie, Yinuo Liu, Huixian Lu, Ambreen Iqbal, Mengru Ruan, Ping Jiang, Haibin Yu, Jilun Meng, Zhihui Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the effect of the ASIP gene on lipid metabolism in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Knockout of the ASIP gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology resulted in altered expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and increased synthesis of medium and long-chain fatty acids.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ambreen Iqbal, Haibin Yu, Ping Jiang, Zhihui Zhao
Summary: This study revealed that bta-miR-148a regulates fat metabolism in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) of Chinese Holstein by targeting KLF6. Down-regulation of KLF6 leads to decreased fat content, while its overexpression increases fat content. Furthermore, the study suggests potential functions of other KLF family members in milk fat synthesis.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Muhammad Waseem Ghani, Ambreen Iqbal, Hammad Ghani, Sidra Bibi, Zixun Wang, Renjun Pei
Summary: CRISPR/Cas systems have tremendous potential for therapeutic genetic manipulation. However, the lack of safe and efficient delivery methods hinders their wide adoption. Functional nanocomposites offer a promising solution to overcome the limitations of CRISPR/Cas delivery. Recent advancements in selective organ targeting and clinical trials have brought CRISPR/Cas delivery through nanocomposites closer to routine clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Waseem Ghani, Li Ye, Zhao Yi, Hammad Ghani, Muhammad Waseem Birmani, Aamir Nawab, Lang Guan Cun, Liu Bin, Xiao Mei
FOLIA HISTOCHEMICA ET CYTOBIOLOGICA
(2019)