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Reproductive Cloning

Reproductive Cloning

Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...

Reproductive Cloning

Reproductive Cloning

Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...

Cloning of Dolly the Sheep

Cloning of Dolly the Sheep

The first successfully cloned mammal was Dolly, a sheep, born on 5th July 1996 at Roslin Institute, Scotland. The cloned sheep was named after the American singer Dolly Parton. Dolly lived for seven years and died of respiratory complications, which is speculated to be due to the actual age of her DNA. Because the DNA in cloned cells belongs to an older individual, the cloned individual’s life expectancy may be affected. Indeed, analysis of Dolly’s DNA revealed shorter telomeres than other...

Introduction to Nuclear Reprogramming

Introduction to Nuclear Reprogramming

Nuclear reprogramming is the process of switching gene expression of one cell type to that of another cell type, usually from a differentiated cell state to an undifferentiated cell state. Differentiation occurs during processes such as development and morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and malignancy. Cells can also be artificially induced to reprogram their gene expression by techniques such as nuclear transfer, induced pluripotency, and cell fusion. Such techniques have many applications in...

Tissue Transplantation

Tissue Transplantation

Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

Published on: December 19, 2025

Therapeutic cloning: promises and issues.

Charlotte Kfoury¹

¹charlotte.kfoury@mail.mcgill.ca

Mcgill Journal of Medicine : MJM : an International Forum for the Advancement of Medical Sciences by Students

|June 5, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Therapeutic cloning shows promise for regenerative medicine and treating genetic disorders by enabling cell replacement and organogenesis. However, scientific and ethical challenges, including tumorigenicity and embryo status, must be addressed for clinical application.

Keywords:

SCNT biomedical ethics cell replacement therapy gene therapy mitochondrial heteroplasmy oocyte availability therapeutic cloning

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Combinational Treatment of Trichostatin A and Vitamin C Improves the Efficiency of Cloning Mice by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

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Published on: December 19, 2025

Regulatory T cells: Therapeutic Potential for Treating Transplant Rejection and Type I Diabetes

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Combinational Treatment of Trichostatin A and Vitamin C Improves the Efficiency of Cloning Mice by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

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Published on: April 26, 2018

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Regenerative Medicine
Medical Ethics

Background:

Biotechnology advances require understanding scientific and ethical aspects for clinical use.
Therapeutic cloning offers potential in regenerative medicine and treating genetic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the potential of therapeutic cloning in regenerative medicine.
To identify scientific and ethical challenges associated with therapeutic cloning.
To discuss legislative and funding considerations for therapeutic cloning.

Main Methods:

Review of in vivo studies on therapeutic cloning for diseases like Parkinson's, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and diabetes.
Analysis of scientific roadblocks including tumorigenicity, epigenetic reprogramming, and pathogen transfer.
Examination of ethical considerations regarding IVF embryos and potential life.

Main Results:

Therapeutic cloning demonstrates potential for cell replacement therapy, de novo organogenesis, and treating specific diseases.
Key scientific barriers include tumorigenicity, epigenetic issues, and oocyte availability.
Ethical debates center on the moral status of embryos and potential life.

Conclusions:

Therapeutic cloning holds significant promise for treating degenerative diseases and genetic disorders.
Overcoming scientific hurdles and resolving ethical concerns are crucial for clinical translation.
Clear legislative distinctions between therapeutic and reproductive cloning are needed.