Horse ooplasm supports in vitro preimplantation development of zebra ICSI and SCNT embryos without compromising YAP1 and SOX2 expression pattern.
Authors: Gambini Andrés, Duque Rodríguez Matteo, Rodríguez María Belén, Briski Olinda, Flores Bragulat Ana P, Demergassi Natalia, Losinno Luis, Salamone Daniel F
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Cross-Species Embryo Development in Equine Models Researchers investigated whether domestic horse oocytes could successfully support zebra embryo development using two assisted reproductive techniques—intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)—whilst maintaining normal gene expression patterns critical for early embryonic differentiation. Using horse cytoplasm with zebra genetic material, they compared blastocyst development rates and examined expression of two key developmental markers (YAP1 and SOX2) that regulate trophectoderm and inner cell mass formation. ICSI hybrid embryos (zebra sperm into horse eggs) developed at comparable rates to purebred horse controls, whilst cloned zebra embryos achieved significantly higher blastocyst rates by day 8, with cell numbers and gene expression patterns remaining normal across all treatment groups. These findings demonstrate that horse oocytes provide a viable and developmentally supportive medium for zebra embryo culture without compromising critical lineage specification mechanisms, offering equine practitioners and reproductive specialists a practical model for advancing conservation breeding programmes of endangered equid species. The work has direct implications for wildlife preservation efforts, particularly for critically endangered zebra subspecies where gamete availability may be limiting.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •This research provides a foundation for using domestic horse oocytes as a surrogate model for assisted reproductive technologies in endangered equid species, potentially supporting conservation breeding programs
- •The successful development of zebra embryos in horse ooplasm without developmental compromise suggests cross-species cytoplasmic compatibility, which may have applications for other vulnerable equid species
- •While this is fundamental research, it demonstrates feasibility for future reproductive technologies that could help preserve genetic diversity in critically endangered equid populations
Key Findings
- •Horse oocytes support zebra preimplantation development via both ICSI and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) without compromising blastocyst formation rates
- •Zebra cloned blastocyst rate was significantly higher at day 8 compared to controls
- •SOX2 and YAP1 expression patterns in hybrid and cloned embryos were similar to species-matched controls, indicating normal lineage specification
- •SMARCA4 recruitment during pronuclear formation was independent of sperm genetic background in both zebra and horse sperm