Introduction of Foreign Gene into the Gonads via Primordial Germ Cells Originated from Germinal Crescent of Chicken Embryos

Abstract

Ebara, F. and Fujihara, N. 2000. Introduction of foreign gene into the gonads via primordial germ cells originated from germinal crescent of chicken embryos. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 33–40. An exogenous DNA (MiwZ, containing lacZ gene) introduced into germinal crescent region (GCR) of the early chicken embryos, from which primordial germ cells (PGCs) originated, was confirmed to be successfully transferred to the gonads of embryos via the PGCs. The DNA was injected into the GCR at stages 3–5 or 9.11. Manipulated eggs were incubated until hatching, and the injected DNA was detected by the methods of X-gal staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the level of expression of injected DNA between the two stages of embryonic development. While obvious difference (P<0.05) was found in the expression rates between the right and left gonads, showing higher percentage of DNA expression in the left gonads than that in the right ones, regardless of the embryonic sex. Thus, the exogenous gene introduced into the GCR successfully migrated to the gonads and remained for long time in the gonads after hatching.