Regulation and Expression of Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2 in the Bovine Blastocyst following Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

The Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department (ADVS) and the Center for Integrated Biosystems (CIB) at Utah State University are studying various molecular mechanisms involved in the animal cloning process. This study involves the extensive network of people, facilities, equipment, and funding already associated with the CIB and ADVS joint project. Cloning involves many molecular challenges that for the most part have become roadblocks for the normal development of the fetus. The mechanisms necessary to transform an adult cell into a competent stem cell that can then transform and develop into a healthy organism are poorly understood. Some of these roadblocks have been broadly defined. In this study histone modifications are examined in terms of how they might influence the expression of three developmentally important genes (Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2). Understanding the molecular mechanisms and their role in histone modifications and subsequent gene expression in early development will lead to identifying genetic deficiencies that contribute to the poor success in animal cloning. Currently animal cloning is very inefficient, although the benefits associated with the science involved are limitless. Successful cloning has the potential to provide newer and better biopharmaceuticals, and animal models for human diseases; produce superior livestock; save endangered species; and contribute to stem cells research