Australian scientists successfully produced the first kangaroo embryos via in vitro fertilization (IVF). A research team led by the University of Queensland announced the creation of these embryos, which could offer a lifeline to threatened marsupials such as koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.
"This success with kangaroo embryos is deeply fulfilling, representing the culmination of years of training, research, and collaboration," said Dr. Andres Gambini, the lead researcher, according to Phys.org. The team produced more than 20 embryos using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a technique widely used in human IVF.
The embryos were created using sperm and eggs from deceased eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), as reported by ABC News Australia. While eastern grey kangaroos are abundant and not endangered, the methods developed could be crucial in preserving the genetics of threatened marsupial species. "By adapting these techniques to the unique biology of kangaroos, we were able to create an embryo in the lab for the first time," Gambini said, according to NBC News.
Australia has the highest mammal extinction rate in the world, with more than 2,200 species classified as threatened with extinction. "Australia is home to the greatest diversity of marsupial fauna on the planet but it also has the highest mammal extinction rate," Gambini said. "We need genetic diversity in a population to ensure that the population will survive over time and will be able to adapt to the environment," he added.
The use of ICSI does not require abundant live sperm cells, as only a single sperm cell is injected directly into the egg. This makes it particularly valuable for species where obtaining viable sperm is challenging. "We don't need millions of sperm alive, we just need a few of them," Gambini explained.
"This technology allows us to grab one single sperm with a very tiny needle and under the microscope we can inject that sperm inside the egg," Gambini said.
Despite the leap forward, achieving a live birth through IVF is still at least a decade away. "While it's difficult to provide an exact timeline, with sustained collaboration, funding and continued technical advancements, we are hopeful the birth of a marsupial through IVF could become a reality within a decade," Gambini stated, as reported by Phys.org.
The research team focused on refining techniques to collect, culture, and preserve marsupial eggs and sperm. One of the challenges they face is the preservation of genetic material. "We are working towards building reliable preservation methods to keep the embryos safe," Gambini said, according to Phys.org. "By developing preservation methods, we aim to safeguard the genetic material of these unique and precious animals for future use to ensure their conservation."
Australia's marsupials suffered population declines due to habitat destruction, climate change, and predation by introduced species. Australia lost at least 33 species of mammals since European settlement, and the country launched a decade-long plan to prevent extinctions in 2022, including protecting at-risk species and allocating 30% of the country's area to nature conservation.
Gambini emphasized that IVF is not a silver bullet for protecting endangered species against extinction but "just one more tool in our conservation toolkit," alongside strategies like population monitoring, breeding management, and habitat protection.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq