Application of germ cell transplantation in generation of surrogate fish gametes: implication for control of invasive species

Abstract

Germ cell (GC) transplantation (GCT) in teleost is widely used for surrogate gametes production and revitalization of reproductive competence in senescent fish species. Here,an innovative application of GCT is described for control of invasive fish population those compete with the native fish fauna of anecosystem. The donor GCs isolated from zebra fish (Daniorerio) and transplanted through the genital papilla into the gonads of recipients medaka (Oryziaslatipes) that were depleted of endogenous GCs by Busulfan(40 mg/kg BW; 2 dosage) and water temperature (38?C) treatments. Three months after GCT, the donor GCs were able to recolonize the recipients' gonads and resume gamatogenesis. The presence of donor-derived gametes was confirmed by PCR in 70% and 61% of the surrogate O. latipesmales and females, respectively. Four months after the GCT, artificial and natural spawning trails were conducted by crossingsurrogate parents with their wild counterparts. Such crosses produced 40% pure O. latipes individuals whereas remaining 60% embryos, although fertilized, but embryonic development was ceased hours after fertilization. The application of GCT described here could be useful for ecosystem management especially for control of invasive fish species those causes huge economical losses worldwide.. KEYWORDS :Germ cell transplantation; population control; ecosystem management; surrogate fish; assisted reproductive technology.