Germ cell transplantation in avian species

Abstract

Germ cell transplantation technology has played a critical role in germline modification and preservation of genetic resources. Several germ cell transplantation systems have been developed, including sperm, oocyte, or germline stem cell transplantation systems in mammals. Meanwhile, in avian species, this has mostly relied on primordial germ cell (PGC) transplantation for efficient germline transmission. In this chapter, we describe how to isolate PGCs from avian embryos and produce germline chimeras through transplantation of donor PGCs to recipient embryos.