Isolation of primary fibroblast culture from wildlife: the Panthera Onca case to preserve a South American endangered species

Abstract

The Buenos Aires Zoo together with scientists from IByME-CONICET have created the Biobank of Genetic Resources (BGR) dedicated to the acquisition, processing, storage, use and supply of biomaterials to the scientific and conservation industry that are viable, diverse and representative of South American wildlife populations. Cell line establishment of somatic cells is a valuable resource to preserve genetic material of rare, difficult-to-find, endangered and giant species like Jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest South American felid. This work focuses on the isolation and culture of fibroblasts from Jaguar skin and muscle biopsies, and ear cartilage dissection immediately after death to preserve one of the several endangered species in this biome. These culture techniques enabled us to contribute 570 samples from 45 autochthonous and endangered species, including Jaguar. The fibroblasts obtained are a part of the 6700 samples, including tissues such as muscle, ovarian, testicular, blood, fibroblast cultures, sperm, hair, and fluids and cells from 450 individuals of 87 different species.