Achieving High Throughput Repositories for Biomedical
Germplasm Preservation Workshop—April 10, 2007
Workshop Summary
On April 10–11, 2007, the National Center for Research Resources
(NCRR) sponsored a workshop entitled, Achieving High Throughput
Repositories for Biomedical Germplasm Preservation, at the NIH
Natcher Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The workshop was co-sponsored
with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The purpose of the workshop was to assess the status of germplasm cryopreservation
for the following animal models for translational research: mouse, rat,
pig, nonhuman primate, and aquarium fish. A total of 75 workshop participants
represented diverse areas of expertise, including cryobiology, animal
germplasm preservation, and associated areas of reproductive physiology,
gamete and embryo biology, biosecurity, animal health, and epigenetics.
In addition, NIH extramural and intramural staff, USDA scientists, and
representatives from commercial companies contributed to the discussions.
The workshop was divided into four sessions, each with ample time for
discussion. The first session consisted of four short presentations
summarizing the current state-of-the-art of the cryopreservation of
sperm, oocytes, embryos, and other forms of germplasm, for each target
species. The second session consisted of two presentations from commercial
companies with experience developing high throughput technologies for
preservation of germplasm, and an example of successful application
by the USDA's Animal Germplasm Program. The third session consisted
of five panel presentations on cryopreservation methods and optimization
of protocols. The final session consisted of five panel presentations
on physiological, reproduction, biosecurity, disease and the interplay
of genetics/epigenetics/environment.
Workshop participants were asked to address the following issues:
- What are the current problem areas for applying germplasm preservation
to each of the target species?
- What are the current gaps in current knowledge of germplasm preservation?
- Are there novel or emerging technologies that might supersede or
overcome current germplasm preservation limitations?
- Which species and types of germplasm would be amenable for high
throughput germplasm preservation?
- Provide specific recommendations on the most promising areas for
future research on germplasm cryopreservation technologies.