Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer: Recent Progress and Challenges

Abstract

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) offers new and exciting opportunities in many areas of research and biotechnology. However, the field as a whole is still in its infancy, with continuing inefficiencies in the process proving many early expectations premature. The technical steps of NT are complex, and success is highly susceptible to minor variations. Furthermore, the biological process of reprogramming is not fully understood, making it difficult to optimize the protocols for providing ideal recipient oocytes and donor cells. In this paper, we describe recent advances and novel approaches, which resulted in progress during the last year, including the birth of cloned piglets and farm animals with precise genetic changes. Key problems hindering further progress are addressed.