Development of bovine nuclear transfer embryos using life-span extended donor cells transfected with foreign gene

This study was performed to determine the developmental potentials of nuclear transfer (NT) embryos using life-span extended cells transfected with a foreign gene as donor cells. A life-span extended bovine embryonic fibroblast cell line was transfected with an expression vector in which the human type II collagen (BOMAR) and ear fibroblasts were used as a donor cell. Cytogenetic analysis was performed to analyze the chromosomal abnormality of donor cells. The fusion rate of 1.8 kV/cm for 15 μsec given twice was significantly higher than that of other groups (p<0.05) and the embryos lysed were significantly higher after 1.8 kV/cm for 20 μsec given once compared to other groups (p<0.01). The blastocyst development in the ear cell group was statistically significant compared to both BOMAR groups (p<0.01). Both BOMAR groups cultured more than 40 passages (>40 passages) had a lower number of chromosomes; however, fresh granulosa cell (GC) and BOMAR groups cultured less than 20 passages had normal chromosome numbers. Both >40 passages BOMAR groups had numerous obscure debris in metaphase spreads. The transfected foreign gene was expressed in all BOMAR groups, but not in the GC group. Based on these results, the lower developmental potential of NT embryos using life-span extended donor cells transfected with a foreign gene might be a cause of chromosomal abnormality in donor cells.