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Published on: April 26, 2018
Cloning animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer--biological factors
X Cindy Tian1, Chikara Kubota, Brian Enright
1Center for Regenerative Biology/Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-4243, USA. xtian@canr.uconn.edu
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E
|November 15, 2003
Summary
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning in cattle faces efficiency challenges due to incomplete nuclear reprogramming. This review examines cattle cloning studies to understand and improve SCNT success rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a key technology in mammalian cloning with significant potential.
- Current SCNT methods exhibit low efficiency, characterized by high rates of abortion and fetal mortality.
- These inefficiencies are largely attributed to incomplete reprogramming of donor somatic cell nuclei.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize research on nuclear reprogramming in the context of mammalian somatic cell cloning.
- To specifically focus on cattle as a model species due to extensive research and success in cloning this species.
- To identify factors contributing to developmental defects and explore strategies for improving SCNT efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on somatic cell cloning in cattle.
- Analysis of studies investigating nuclear reprogramming mechanisms following SCNT.
- Examination of various strategies employed to enhance SCNT efficiency in cattle.
Main Results:
- Incomplete reprogramming of somatic cell nuclei is a primary cause of developmental failures in cloned cattle.
- Cattle serve as a crucial model for SCNT research, with more successful cloning attempts than other species.
- Despite numerous strategies, significant breakthroughs in improving SCNT efficiency remain elusive.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and overcoming incomplete nuclear reprogramming is critical for advancing cattle cloning.
- Further research into reprogramming mechanisms is necessary to enhance the efficiency and viability of SCNT.
- Targeted strategies focusing on epigenetic modifications may hold promise for improving somatic cell cloning outcomes.
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