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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Ex Utero Culture of Mouse Embryos from Pregastrulation to Advanced Organogenesis
Published on: October 19, 2021
Culture medium preferences of pre-implantation cloned mouse embryos
Björn Heindryckx1, Josiane Van der Elst, Marc Dhont
1Infertility Centre, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Somatic cloning technology involves the transfer of a somatic cell nucleus into an enucleated oocyte, followed by activation and in vitro culture. Efficiency in terms of live offspring generally remains very low. Little attention has been devoted so far to the impact of culture environment on cloned embryo development. Failure of genomic reprogramming of the donor nucleus in nuclear transfer (NT) experiments could lead to an altered phenotype in these cloned embryos that could be manifested by different medium preferences of the NT embryos. We describe here the application of sequential culture media to support preimplantation development of mouse embryos reconstructed using conventional NT techniques. Embryo-quality analysis was performed on NT blastocysts obtained. Additionally, NT embryos that arrested during development also were analyzed.
Insights
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) efficiency is low. This study explored how sequential culture media impact cloned mouse embryo development and quality, offering insights into optimizing SCNT outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a key reproductive technology.
- Low efficiency and developmental failures are significant challenges in SCNT.
- The impact of the in vitro culture environment on SCNT embryo development is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sequential culture media on preimplantation development of SCNT mouse embryos.
- To analyze the quality of SCNT blastocysts and arrested embryos.
- To identify potential improvements in SCNT protocols by optimizing the culture environment.
Main Methods:
- Conventional SCNT techniques were used to reconstruct mouse embryos.
- Embryos were cultured using sequential media formulations.
- Quality assessment of blastocysts and analysis of arrested embryos were performed.
Main Results:
- Sequential culture media were applied to support SCNT embryo development.
- Analysis of NT blastocyst quality was conducted.
- Developmentally arrested NT embryos were also examined.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the importance of the culture environment in SCNT.
- Optimizing sequential culture media may enhance cloned embryo development.
- Further research into reprogramming and culture conditions is warranted for improving SCNT efficiency.
