Cloning pigs using non-quiescent differentiated donor cells or nuclei

Patent Number: 7,291,764

Cloning and genetic manipulation of pigs is desirable not only for research uses but also for potential pharmaceuticals (ie generation of proteins in transgenic pig seminal fluid) as well as xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig organs into humans. Unfortunately cloning of pigs is more difficult than cloning of other species.

In this patent methods of cloning pigs are provided that possess a higher degree of success in comparison to prior art. The method involves the steps of:

a) activating a pig oocyte (can be nucleated or enucleated)
b) inserting a proliferating pig cell or nucleus of said cell into the pig oocyte
c) extracting the original oocyte nucleaus
d) inserting the activated oocyte containing the donor cell or nucleus into a recipient female in order to produce an offspring.

The patent also provides for:

a) modification of nucleic acids in the differentiated donor cell before insertion into the activated oocyte so as to generate offspring that are genetically modified

b) addition of a caspase inhibitor (to block apoptosis and increase yeild) during manipulation of the recipient oocyte

c) culture of the recipient oocyte and donor cell or nucleus before implantation in order to endow or select for specific properties.

View this patent on the USPTO website.