Lou Jiao, Li Weina, Chen Panlong, Chen Haiyan, Shakoor Amna, Chen Yunlong, Hua Jinlian, Wang Yan, Zhang Shiqiang
College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Stem Cell Engineering Research Center, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025 May 28;16(1):261. doi: 10.1186/s13287-025-04392-5.
The accelerating biodiversity crisis urgently demands innovative approaches that transcend traditional conservation strategies, which are often constrained by genetic bottlenecks and disease risks. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology emerges as a transformative solution, enabling non-invasive genetic preservation and multi-pathway species recovery. This review synthesizes advances in reprogramming somatic cells from endangered species into iPSCs through integration-free strategies, such as mRNA, Sendai virus, episomal systems, adenoviruses and chemical induction, thereby reducing genomic instability. We highlight breakthroughs in differentiating iPSCs into functional gametes for assisted reproduction and blastoids formation for embryonic reconstruction, circumventing donor oocyte dependency and genetic homogeneity risks. Despite challenges in lineage specification and epigenetic fidelity, combining iPSC biobanking with ecosystem management enables large-scale genetic rescue. By combining these technologies with ethical frameworks and habitat restoration, the plasticity of cells may be transformed into population resilience, potentially redefining biodiversity conservation.
加速的生物多样性危机迫切需要超越传统保护策略的创新方法，传统保护策略往往受到遗传瓶颈和疾病风险的限制。诱导多能干细胞（iPSC）技术作为一种变革性的解决方案应运而生，能够实现非侵入性基因保存和多途径物种恢复。本综述综合了通过无整合策略（如mRNA、仙台病毒、游离型载体系统、腺病毒和化学诱导）将濒危物种的体细胞重编程为iPSC的进展，从而降低基因组不稳定性。我们强调了将iPSC分化为用于辅助生殖的功能性配子以及用于胚胎重建的囊胚样结构方面的突破，规避了供体卵母细胞依赖和基因同质性风险。尽管在谱系定向和表观遗传保真度方面存在挑战，但将iPSC生物样本库与生态系统管理相结合能够实现大规模的基因拯救。通过将这些技术与伦理框架和栖息地恢复相结合，细胞的可塑性可能转化为种群恢复力，从而有可能重新定义生物多样性保护。
