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Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) is a promising technique whereby a bison donor cell is transplanted into a domestic cattle oocyte. Different fibroblast donor cells have been demonstrated to have different embryonic outcomes. Problems with SCNT embryos have been also reported after in vitro culture. Toronto Zoos efforts have focused on wood bison iSCNT, a threatened Canadian species, in order to conserve its germplasm. Therefore, this project will characterize bison somatic cells used for iSCNT and their potential to achieve successful embryo development; as well as optimize in vitro embryo culture after in vitro fertilization and iSCNT. A novel approach using bison oviductal epithelial cells will be tested to improve in vitro culture. This internship will allow Toronto Zoo to identify any disruptions produced during iSCNT and embryo culture, as well as the implementation of novel embryo culture protocols for non-domestic cattle species. Furthermore, it will provide knowledge for establishing valuable biotechnology systems for biodiversity preservation.
Allan King
Amanda Victoria Cordova Gomez
Toronto Zoo
Zoology
Natural resources
University of Guelph
Accelerate
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