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Chromosomal abnormalities: a potential quality issue for cloned cattle embryos.
Wafa C Slimane-Bureau1, W Allan King
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
Cloning and Stem Cells
|March 11, 2003
Summary
Cloned cattle embryos frequently have chromosomal abnormalities, particularly mixoploidy, which may contribute to pregnancy failure and congenital defects. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these genetic variations.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Animal science
Background:
- Nuclear transfer in cattle results in high embryonic mortality and congenital malformations.
- Chromosomal abnormalities are linked to pregnancy failure and malformations in humans, but their role in cloned cattle is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the chromosomal constitution of bovine embryos produced through various methods.
- To assess the prevalence and types of chromosomal abnormalities in cloned bovine embryos.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bovine embryo chromosomal analysis.
- Analysis of data on embryos produced via in vivo fertilization, in vitro fertilization, parthenogenetic activation, and nuclear transfer.
Main Results:
- Chromosomally abnormal cells are common in bovine embryos, with frequencies varying by production method.
- Mixoploidy, arising from abnormal cell division leading to polyploidy, is the most common karyotype deviation observed.
Conclusions:
- The production method significantly influences the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in bovine embryos.
- Mixoploidy is a prevalent issue in bovine embryos, potentially contributing to reproductive inefficiencies in cloned cattle.