Cloning endangered gray wolves (Canis lupus) from somatic cells collected postmortem.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Conservation genetics
• Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer

Background:

• Cloning endangered species is crucial for conservation efforts.
• Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a key technique in cloning.
• Challenges exist in using postmortem cells and interspecies applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of cloning a wolf using postmortem somatic cells.
• To investigate interspecies SCNT using wolf somatic cells and dog oocytes.
• To explore SCNT's potential for endangered canine species preservation.

Main Methods:

• Postmortem somatic cells from a male gray wolf were cultured.
• In vivo-matured dog oocytes were enucleated and fused with wolf cells.
• Reconstructed embryos were activated and transferred to domestic dog recipients.

Main Results:

• Four out of 17 recipient dogs became pregnant.
• Six cloned wolf pups were born; three survived post-cesarean section.
• Cloned wolves were genetically identical to the donor, with dog mitochondrial DNA.

Conclusions:

• Successful interspecies SCNT was achieved, cloning an endangered gray wolf.
• Postmortem somatic cell isolation is viable for cloning purposes.
• SCNT presents a valuable tool for canine species preservation in critical situations.