SCIENTISTS CREATE FIRST CHIMERIC MONKEY IN BREAKTHROUGH STUDY

 

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Cell, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully achieved the first live birth of a chimeric primate – a monkey with cells derived from two genetically distinct embryos of the same species. This achievement could revolutionize genetic engineering, conservation efforts, and various biomedical research applications.

Chimeras, organisms composed of cells from more than one genetically distinct individual, have long been a subject of fascination, both in mythology and scientific exploration. While chimerism is naturally observed in organisms like sponges, ants, and marmosets, this study marks the first time researchers have induced chimerism in primates, specifically cynomolgus monkeys.

The research team, led by senior author Zhen Liu, systematically tested different culture conditions to establish monkey naive embryonic stem cells, aiming to demonstrate the elusive naive pluripotency – the ability of certain cell types to differentiate into various cell types – in primates. Previous attempts in non-human primates had faced challenges in achieving robust chimerism due to difficulties in matching the developmental state of donor cells with host embryos.

The experiment involved labelling nine stem cell lines with a green fluorescent protein, derived from 7-day-old embryos, and injecting them into 4–5-day-old embryos. These embryos were then implanted into female cynomolgus monkeys, resulting in 12 pregnancies and 6 live births. The green fluorescence confirmed chimerism, visible in a monkey born alive and another that was miscarried.

Gene sequencing revealed that stem cell-derived cells were present in various tissues, including the brain, heart, kidney, liver, and digestive system of the monkeys. In the live monkey, the contribution of stem cell-derived cells ranged from 21% to 92%, with an average of 67% across 26 different tissue types tested.

“This is a long-sought goal in the field,” says Zhen Liu, emphasizing the study's implications for understanding naive pluripotency in primates, including humans. The research not only advances our understanding of primate pluripotent stem cells but also holds practical significance for genetic engineering and species conservation.

Miguel Esteban, co-corresponding author of the study, highlights the potential of this work in generating precise monkey models for studying neurological diseases and advancing other biomedical research. The breakthrough could pave the way for more targeted and effective approaches in genetic engineering and provide crucial insights into the developmental potential of pluripotent stem cells in primate species.

In conclusion, the successful generation of a live chimeric primate opens up new avenues for scientific exploration and applications, with far-reaching implications for fields such as genetic engineering, conservation, and biomedical research.

REFERENCE

Cao J, Li W, Li J, Mazid MdA, Li C, Jiang Y, et al. Live birth of chimeric monkey with high contribution from embryonic stem cells. Cell. 2023;186(23). doi:10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.005