For the first time, Chinese scientists have successfully cultured stem cells from giant pandas. This achievement will support research into the characteristics of pandas as well as treatments for this animal, which China refers to as a “national treasure.” It also showcases the potential of induced pluripotent stem cell technology (iPSC) in conserving endangered species.
This research was conducted by scientists from the Guangzhou Institute of Biomedical and Health, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The findings were published in the scientific journal Science Advances on September 20.
A pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong. (Photo: China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center).
According to Dr. Liu Jing, one of the authors of the study, the researchers isolated primary fibroblast cells from samples taken from both a female and a male giant panda at the Chengdu base. They then created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of the giant panda (GPiPSC) using a non-integrative episomal vector reprogramming method.
The study indicates that GPiPSCs demonstrate the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, marking a significant contribution to the resources for fundamental research on giant pandas.
In the future, GPiPSCs could be used to culture cells and functional organs of giant pandas for clinical treatments as well as to study the pathology and physiology of this species. They could also potentially produce sperm and eggs, assisting in artificial insemination of giant pandas.
Furthermore, GPiPSCs could be utilized to create giant panda embryos in the laboratory. Therefore, Liu Jing hopes that one day these embryos could be used to produce giant pandas through surrogacy. However, he also notes that there is still a long way to go as this is the first time iPSC technology has been applied to giant pandas.
China has achieved significant results in protecting giant pandas and their habitats. The population of wild giant pandas has increased from around 1,100 in the 1980s to nearly 1,900 today, according to data released earlier this year by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
However, China still faces several challenges in conserving this species, such as the fact that female pandas are only capable of conceiving for two to three days each year, making successful breeding difficult.
The research team emphasizes that iPSC technology has shown promising results in conserving genetic resources and exploring the characteristics of endangered species.
