Integrating Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Biobanking, and Genomic Rescue for Endangered Wildlife: A Vertebrate-Focused Review
5 affiliations
- 1Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
- 2Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
- 3Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
- 4Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- 5Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) provide opportunities for conservation of endangered wildlife, but their use is still limited by species-specific reproductive physiology, variable gamete competence, cryoinjury, and lack of validation of new approaches. This narrative review covers ART, biobanking, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) and conservation genomics in vertebrates. Key molecular barriers include oxidative and mitochondrial damage, aberrant embryonic genome activation, incomplete epigenetic reprogramming, nuclear-mitochondrial incompatibility and defective germ-cell differentiation. Technological readiness is used to evaluate the evidence and separate demonstrated reproductive outcomes from experimental proof of concept, and indirect findings from domestic or laboratory models. Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination are established in selected species, while embryo-based interventions remain species-dependent and stem-cell-derived reproductive approaches require functional validation. We propose an integrated decision framework linking reproductive diagnosis, biobanking, genomic donor selection, technological readiness, animal welfare, and resource allocation with reproductive and population-level outcomes. Importantly, laboratory milestones alone cannot demonstrate conservation success without sustained genetic contribution across multiple subsequent generations. Successful translation depends on species-specific protocols, standardized endpoints, and evidence of genetically valuable offspring survival, reproduction, and contribution to long-term population viability.
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BibTeX
@article{khan2026integrating,
title = {{Integrating Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Biobanking, and Genomic Rescue for Endangered Wildlife: A Vertebrate-Focused Review}},
author = {Imran Khan and Atif Ali Khan Khalil and Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut and Sirisuda Subboriboon and Kaywalee Chatdarong and Ampika Thongphakdee and Rangsun Parnpai},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/ijms272110050},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/10050},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Integrating Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Biobanking, and Genomic Rescue for Endangered Wildlife: A Vertebrate-Focused Review
AU - Imran Khan
AU - Atif Ali Khan Khalil
AU - Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut
AU - Sirisuda Subboriboon
AU - Kaywalee Chatdarong
AU - Ampika Thongphakdee
AU - Rangsun Parnpai
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/09
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms272110050
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/10050
AB - Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) provide opportunities for conservation of endangered wildlife, but their use is still limited by species-specific reproductive physiology, variable gamete competence, cryoinjury, and lack of validation of new approaches. This narrative review covers ART, biobanking, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) and conservation genomics in vertebrates. Key molecular barriers include oxidative and mitochondrial damage, aberrant embryonic genome activation, incomplete epigenetic reprogramming, nuclear-mitochondrial incompatibility and defective germ-cell differentiation. Technological readiness is used to evaluate the evidence and separate demonstrated reproductive outcomes from experimental proof of concept, and indirect findings from domestic or laboratory models. Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination are established in selected species, while embryo-based interventions remain species-dependent and stem-cell-derived reproductive approaches require functional validation. We propose an integrated decision framework linking reproductive diagnosis, biobanking, genomic donor selection, technological readiness, animal welfare, and resource allocation with reproductive and population-level outcomes. Importantly, laboratory milestones alone cannot demonstrate conservation success without sustained genetic contribution across multiple subsequent generations. Successful translation depends on species-specific protocols, standardized endpoints, and evidence of genetically valuable offspring survival, reproduction, and contribution to long-term population viability.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -