Production of cloned and transgenic embryos using buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryonic stem cell-like cells isolated from in vitro fertilized and cloned blastocysts

Cell Reprogram. 2011 Jun;13(3):263-72. doi: 10.1089/cell.2010.0094. Epub 2011 May 6.

Abstract

Here, we report the isolation and characterization of embryonic stem (ES) cell-like cells from cloned blastocysts, generated using fibroblasts derived from an adult buffalo (BAF). These nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell-like cells (NT-ES) grew in well-defined and dome-shaped colonies. The expression pattern of pluripotency marker genes was similar in both NT-ES and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo-derived embryonic stem cell-like cells (F-ES). Upon spontaneous differentiation via embryoid body formation, cells of different morphology were observed, among which predominant were endodermal-like and epithelial-like cell types. The ES cell-like cells could be passaged only mechanically and did not form colonies when plated as single cell suspension at different concentrations. When F-ES cell-like, NT-ES cell-like, and BAF cells of same genotype were used for hand-made cloning (HMC), no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in cleavage and blastocyst rate. Following transfer of HMC embryos to synchronized recipients, pregnancies were established only with F-ES cell-like and BAF cell-derived embryos, and one live calf was born from F-ES cell-like cells. Further, when transfected NT-ES cell-like cells and BAF were used for HMC, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between cleavage and blastocyst rate. In conclusion, here we report for the first time the derivation of ES cell-like cells from an adult buffalo, and its genetic modification. We also report the birth of a live cloned calf from buffalo ES cell-like cells.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / embryology*
  • Blastocyst / cytology*
  • Buffaloes / embryology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cloning, Organism / methods*
  • Embryo Transfer
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Embryonic Development / physiology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / methods*
  • Male
  • Nuclear Transfer Techniques
  • Pregnancy