Recloned transgenic pigs possess normal reproductive performance and stable genetic transmission capacity.
The present study investigated whether a recloning procedure would affect the reproductive performance or the germline transmission capacity of recloned transgenic pigs. This study has also laid the foundation for the development of elite transgenic swine breeds in the future. Recloned transgenic pigs were developed from ear tissue fibroblasts of primary transgenic cloned pigs using a recloning procedure, and their reproductive performance and exogenous gene transmission were analyzed. Two transgenic cell lines with different genetic backgrounds (derived from a female miniature pig and a male Landrace pig) with stable expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) were established successfully. Furthermore, recloned transgenic embryos were developed to full term successfully. One female Chinese experimental miniature piglet (CEMP) (GFP+) and three male Landrace piglets (GFP+) were delivered naturally. Furthermore, the index values for the reproductive characteristics of the recloned transgenic pigs, such as puberty, gestation period, sperm volume and sperm concentration, were not significantly different from those of conventionally bred pigs. In addition, 53% of the F1 offspring of the recloned transgenic pigs were GFP positive. These results demonstrate that ear tissue fibroblasts from primary transgenic cloned pigs efficiently support the full-term development of recloned transgenic embryos. Furthermore, recloned transgenic pigs maintain normal reproductive performance and stable germline (genetic) transmission capacities.
State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Zubing
Z
Cao
Beijing Gene & Protein Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100193, China.
Yan
Y
Li
Beijing Gene & Protein Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100193, China.
Xiao
X
Wen
Beijing Gene & Protein Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100193, China.
Zhiyuan
Z
Li
Beijing Gene & Protein Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100193, China.
Changsheng
C
Mi
Beijing Gene & Protein Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100193, China.
Zaihu
Z
Zhang
State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Ning
N
Li
State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Qiuyan
Q
Li
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000379:methods*; D004423:Ear / Q000254:growth & development; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D053652:Nuclear Transfer Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000235:genetics*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000235:genetics*; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins