Nuclear Transfer (Therapetic Cloning)
Scientists in Newcastle made the headlines in 2004, when they became the first team in the UK to receive a licence to carry out nuclear transfers (therapeutic cloning), and again in 2005, when they reported on becoming the first team to successfully generate an embryo by nuclear transfer.
This work involves the transfer of genetic material from the nucleus of one cell to another cell. This potentially allows the growth of tissues which exactly match the genetic make-up of the patient and eliminates the possibility of the rejection of transplants. It is very difficult work, so we are examining ways of improving our techniques by using cells from other animals such as rabbits and cattle.
Similar pioneering work is being done on the transfer of genetic material from an egg with defective mitochondria to another with normal mitochondria. Mitochondria act as a kind of power pack or battery for the cells. There are a number of people suffering from genetic diseases caused by problems with their mitochondria for whom this work could provide enormous benefits. Take a look at our diagram to illustrate how nuclear transfer works.
