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University develops feline iPSCs without genetic footprint
The high-quality iPSCs could lead to discoveries for both veterinary and human medicine.
The discovery could improve therapies for chronic kidney disease.

Osaka Metropolitan University has become the first to produce high-quality feline induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without a genetic footprint.

The development of these new iPSCs could support the future of regenerative medicine for cats, including therapies for chronic kidney disease.

Although human iPSCs can be generated with four genes, known as transcription factors, feline iPSCs are considered more difficult to create.

In this project Shingo Hatoya, from the Graduate School of Veterinary Science, led a team to successfully generate feline iPSCs from six transcription factors. The transcription factors were introduced via the Sendai virus vector to create iPSCs from feline cells, including cells from the uterus that were donated after cats were sterilised.

The research team says that these iPSCs are the first high-quality iPSCs to be created in the world.

These stem cells exhibit the same properties as many iPS cells, including the ability to form teratomas with all three germ layers. This proves that the iPSCs are high quality and will be able differentiate into a variety of different cells.

The iPSCs do not have a genetic footprint, which lowers the chance that they will form tumours when implanted into another cat.

The cells can also be maintained without a feeder, such as fibroblast from mice, in chemically-defined conditions. This means that, because there is no need to mix cells from other species, the iPSCs are safer.

Further research into feline iPSCs could lead to a wider application of veterinary regenerative medicines, as well as advanced regenerative medicine research in humans.

Prof Hatoya said: “Especially in cats, chronic kidney disease and diabetes are serious problems,

“Establishing a method to have cells form a kidney or pancreas from feline iPSCs will be a challenge for future research.”

Prof Hatoya added: “High-quality feline iPSCs made possible by this research are expected to be provided to researchers around the world for use in veterinary regenerative medicine research, understanding of the pathophysiology of genetic diseases, and development of new therapeutic agents.”

The full study can be found in the journal Science Direct.

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.