Strategies for the Establishment of Fibroblastic Lines for the Conservation of Wild Mammals

Abstract

The loss of wild biodiversity has encouraged the development of fibroblastic lines, mainly fibroblasts derived from skin, which can be interesting tools for the conservation of wild mammals. These biological samples, when properly well-established, are essential elements for the reproduction of species through their use in cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer and induction of cells to pluripotency. In general, the establishment of fibroblastic lines involves the following strategies: (i) cell isolation techniques and identification of fibroblasts; (ii) conditions for in vitro culture of fibroblasts; (iii) conditions for cryopreservation of fibroblasts; and (iv) nuclear reprogramming studies. At each stage, species-specific factors are involved, and determining these lines in the species of interest represents the first step toward its successful use for animal conservation. Therefore, this chapter discusses the stages and parameters involved in the strategies for establishing fibroblastic lines, delving into the main technical aspects and results obtained from the use of these cells in recent years in wild mammals.