Genetic modification of male germ cells for generation of transgenic species and genetic therapies

Patent Number: 7,294,755

Usually transgenic animals are generated by ex vivo modification of female genetic materials and implantantion into a receptive recipient. In the current patent a different approach is taken to generation of transgenic or genetically modified animals. The patent covers the in vivo genetic modification of male gametes and subsequent mixture of the male genetic material with an unmodified female egg in order to generate an offspring that is transgenic. The patent covers, amongst other things; use of genetic modification to insert tissue specific promoters to drive transgenes; use of various gene vectors to insert the desired genes into the male gametes; insertion of genetic material into stem cells and various intermediary cells in the development of spermatozoa.

View this patent on the USPTO website.