NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For the first time, Japanese researchers have created a viable parthenogenetic mouse--one that is solely derived from maternal germ cells, according to a report published in the April 22nd issue of Nature.
Although parthenogenesis is seen in insects and reptiles, it does not occur in mammals. In the lab, mammalian embryos generated from parthenogenesis have died after just a few days of gestation.
By altering the expression of certain imprinted genes, Dr. Tomohiro Kono, the Tokyo University of Agriculture, and colleagues were able to generate a mouse derived from a reconstructed oocyte that contained two maternal genomes. Moreover, in contrast to previous attempts, the animal reached adulthood and was able to reproduce offspring.
“Our study shows that imprinting is a barrier to parthenogenetic development in mice,” the investigators note. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms involved, they add.
Source: Nature 2004;428:860-864. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Parthenogenesis: Reproduction: Reproductive and Urinary Physiology: Genomic Imprinting: Biological SciencesCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.