Reprogramming and development in nuclear transfer embryos and in interspecific systems

Nuclear transfer (NT) remains the most effective method to reprogram somatic cells to totipotency. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) efficiency however remains low, but recurrent problems occurring in partially reprogrammed cloned embryos have recently been identified and some remedied. In particular, the trophectoderm has been identified as a lineage whose reprogramming success has a large influence on SCNT embryo development. Several interspecific hybrid and cybrid reprogramming systems have been developed as they offer various technical advantages and potential applications, and together with SCNT, they have led to the identification of a series of reprogramming events and responsible reprogramming factors. Interspecific incompatibilities hinder full exploitation of cross-species reprogramming systems, yet recent findings suggest that these may not constitute insurmountable obstacles.