Long-Term Rock Dove (Columba livia) Primordial Germ Cell Culture: A Tool for Avian Conservation

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are critical tools for genome engineering and conservation in birds. While culture systems for chicken PGCs have been well established for nearly two decades, efforts to propagate PGCs from other avian species have proved exceptionally challenging, limiting the broader application of artificial reproductive technologies in birds. Here we report the first successful derivation and long-term culture of PGCs from the rock dove, or common pigeon (Columba livia). Guided by transcriptomic profiling of PGCs, we developed a species-specific medium that supports PGC maintenance and expansion. We identify insulin signaling as essential for survival and demonstrate that retinoic acid receptor inhibition, while maintaining vitamin A, is necessary for propagation. Supplementation with BMP4, LIF, GDNF, and pleiotrophin further enhances PGC proliferation. Cultured cells express canonical germline markers and migrate to the gonads following injection into both rock dove and chicken embryos, confirming functional competency. These findings establish a platform for germline manipulation and biobanking in Columbidae, broadening the applicability of reproductive technologies to conservation efforts.