Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in cloning techniques, successfully cloning a rhesus monkey named ReTro, who has not only survived into adulthood but also marked the first successful cloning of this species. This accomplishment, achieved through a different method than the one employed to clone Dolly the sheep and other mammals, could revolutionize the use of cloned primates in drug testing and behavioral research.
The key to this success lies in the replacement of the placenta of the cloned embryo with that of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization. By doing so, the scientists were able to reduce developmental defects and increase embryo survival rates. This is a groundbreaking development for the field as standard cloning techniques, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), often result in low birth and survival rates for cloned embryos, especially in primates.
Researchers conducted DNA analyses on embryos created through SCNT and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and found significant differences in epigenetic modifications, which impact gene activity, between the two. To tackle the defects in placenta development, the team developed a technique that involved replacing the outer layer of cells in the cloned embryo with cells from ICSI embryos, ultimately resulting in a “natural placenta.”
Through this approach, the researchers successfully implanted 11 cloned rhesus monkey embryos, ultimately resulting in the birth of ReTro, who has now survived for over two years. This milestone paves the way for further advancements in using cloned monkeys for disease modeling and drug efficacy and safety assessment.
However, despite this significant breakthrough, further improvements are needed to enhance the efficiency of the cloning process and reduce the number of surrogates required. This would not only make cloning more cost-effective but also address ethical concerns surrounding the use of surrogate animals.
The successful cloning of a rhesus monkey holds tremendous potential for future medical research and could greatly aid in understanding the intricacies of primate biology. With continued advancements in cloning techniques, scientists are on the brink of a new era in primate research and its applications, ultimately advancing our understanding of various diseases and potentially leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries.
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