Question

I have a question about the chimera generation rate of the mouse compared with other animals. Before asking the question, I need to define the following terms: ES cells: Embryonic stem cells The procedure of generating chimera mice and other chimera animals should be similar, where I am supposed to do genetic modification, such as gene knockout, on the ES cells and implant them back into the animals' blastocysts. However, I found the following statement interesting: The mice's chimera generation rate is higher than that of other animals. and Where chimera production with ESL cells has been attempted, both the rates and the levels of chimerism are typically much lower than found with murine ES cells. FromGardner, RL (2014)Pluripotent Stem Cells from Vertebrate Embryos: Present Perspective and Future Challenges. I am not sure why that is the case. Could anyone kindly give some directions?

Answer 1

The higher chimaera generation rate in mice compared to other animals is due to the unique properties of mouse embryonic stem cells, which maintain pluripotency more effectively and integrate better into blastocysts. Research on iPSCs and stem cells offers promising therapeutic applications. Transgenic mice are critical in genetics and recombinant protein studies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The generation rate of chimaeras in mice is higher compared to other animals due to several factors. Mice embryonic stem cells (mESCs) have a high potency and are more amenable to genetic modifications than embryonic stem cells from other species. This is attributed to the intrinsic properties of mESCs, including their ability to contribute to both somatic and germ cell lineages when introduced into blastocysts. Additionally, mESCs can be maintained and manipulated in vitro more easily, retaining their pluripotency longer than embryonic stem cells from other species. Comparatively, producing chimaeras with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or embryonic stem-like (ESL) cells poses more challenges, as these cells show lower levels of integration into host blastocysts, thereby reducing chimerism rates.

Scientific advances have enabled researchers to develop induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from both mice and humans. iPSCs are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to acquire properties similar to those of embryonic stem cells, capable of differentiating into various types of cells. Despite advancements, the process of directing differentiation into specific cell types remains complex, with the microenvironment playing a critical role in determining cell fate.

The potential of stem cells in regenerating tissues and treating diseases is noteworthy. For instance, a leukemia patient might have a better chance of recovery if stem cells matching their own DNA can be used to regenerate healthy bone marrow. Similarly, the discovery of stem cells in various tissues, such as skin, opens up possibilities for treating a range of conditions, from skin diseases to nerve damage.

In terms of biotechnology, transgenic animals have been extensively used to study gene functions and produce recombinant proteins. Mice serve as an important model in these studies due to their genetic similarities with humans and their convenience in laboratory settings.