Method for cloning animals with targetted genetic alterations by transfer of long-term cultured male or female somatic cell nuclei, comprising artificially-induced genetic alterations, to enucleated recipient cells

Patent Number: 7071372

Although numerous technologies exist for cloning of animals, it appears from the current patent, that one of the limitations is that the donor cell usually has to be freshly isolated, or cultured for a short period of time. This does not allow for manipulation of the donor cell at a genetic level before nuclear transfer. The current patent teaches methods of long-term culture of donor cells so as to permit various manipulations before nuclear transfer. The invention has 2 independent claims. Both claims cover a method of improving pregnancy in a cow, the first by administering cells that have been cultured between 10-15 passages, whereas the second covers 14, 20. or 30 doublings. Both independent claims also cover that the cell culture is performed in absence of serum and the cultured cells are used as donors to recipient oocytes for subsequent implantation.

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