We review experiments in which somatic cell nuclei are transplanted singly to enucleated eggs (metaphase II) in amphibia and mammals and as multiple nuclei to the germinal vesicle of amphibian oocytes (prophase I). These experiments have shown the totipotency of some somatic cell nuclei as well as switches in cell type and changes in gene expression. Abnormalities of nuclear transplant embryo development increase greatly as nuclei are taken from progressively more differentiated donor cells. The molecular changes that accompany the reprogramming of transplanted nuclei help to indicate the mechanisms used by eggs and oocytes to reprogram gene expression. We discuss the importance of chromosomal protein exchange of transcription factor supply and of chromatin access in reprogramming. © 2011 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
CITATION STYLE
Gurdon, J. B., & Wilmut, I. (2011). Nuclear transfer to eggs and oocytes. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a002659
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.