The mutual benefits of research in wild animal species and human-assisted reproduction

Abstract

Studying the reproductive biology of wild animal species produces knowledge beneficial to their management and conservation. However, wild species also share intriguing similarities in reproductive biology with humans, thereby offering alternative models for better understanding the etiology of infertility and developing innovative treatments. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness in different scientific communities about intriguing connections between wild animals and humans regarding infertility syndromes or improvement of fertility preservation. The objectives are to (1) highlight commonalities between wild species and human fertility, (2) demonstrate that research in wild species-assisted reproductive technologies can greatly enhance success in human reproductive medicine, and (3) recognize that human fertility preservation is highly inspiring and relevant to wild species conservation. In addition to having similar biological traits in some wild species and humans, the fact of sharing the same natural environment and the common needs for more options in fertility preservation are strong incentives to build more bridges that will eventually benefit both animal conservation and human reproductive medicine.

<b>Gamete cryopreservation in the recovery program of Mexican gray wolf</b> (<i>Canis lupus baylei</i>):<b> Results of reproductive season of 2018 in Mexico</b>

“…Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has not been reported successful to produce offspring in wild animals (Comizzoli et al, 2018) and techniques for differentiation of stem cells into mature oocytes are at their infancy. Recently, researchers reported a limited in vitro growth of follicles from dog vitrified ovaries (Ackermann et al, 2017); however, it is not clear if this technique could provide normal ovarian function or at least mature oocytes.…”

“…The research and results detailed in this report are the product of a longstanding collaboration between our Institute and several mexican zoos for the purpose of reproductive assessment and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos (López-Saucedo et al 2013;Piña-Aguilar et al, 2016). Such collaborations enable animal conservationists access to advanced assisted reproduction techniques and have proven effective for other international groups as well (Comizzoli et al, 2018;Silber et al, 2013).…”

The Making of a Competent Oocyte – A Review of Oocyte Development and Its Regulation

“…After Karl's observation was confirmed by several scientists, exhaustive research was done which further described oocyte metamorphosis and early embryonic development. ARTs including embryo transfer and in vitro embryo production are being applied to maximize the productivity and genetic potential of livestock, preserve endangered species and livestock of high genetic merit (Comizzoli et al, 2018;Herrick, 2019). Also, using oocyte for somatic genome reprogramming and cloning have opened the door for regenerative medicine in livestock and human (Hyttel et al, 2019).…”

Unlocking the mysteries of the cumulus-oocyte complex—a critical cellular partnership for developmental competence

“…Comparative studies in multiple animal species are key to make progress in human reproductive medicine [2]. Regarding COC biology, the bovine model has been highly informative and inspiring.…”