Induced pluripotent stem cells and cerebral organoids from the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros

Less than 80 Sumatran rhinos (SR, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) are left on earth. Habitat loss and limited breeding possibilites are the greatest threats to the species and lead to a continuous population decline. To stop the erosion of genetic diversity, reintroduction of genetic material is indispensable. However, as the propagation rate of captive breeding is far too low, innovative technologies have to be developed. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a powerful tool to fight extinction. They give rise to each cell within the body including gametes and provide a unique modality to preserve genetic material across time. Additionally, they enable studying species-specific developmental processes. Here, we generate iPSCs from the last male Malaysian SR Kertam, who died in 2019, and characterize them comprehensively. Differentiation in cells of the three germ layers and cerebral organoids demonstrate their high quality and great potential for supporting the rescue of this critically endangered species.

Automated summary

There are less than 80 Sumatran rhinos left on Earth, facing continuous population decline due to habitat loss and limited breeding possibilities. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) presents a powerful tool to combat extinction by preserving genetic material and studying species-specific developmental processes. In this study, researchers successfully generated iPSCs from the last male Malaysian Sumatran rhino and demonstrated their high quality and potential in supporting the rescue of this critically endangered species.