Introduction
Domestication and selective breeding of animals and plants began at the dawn of civilization and over the course of centuries became increasingly effective. In the last 25 years, techniques have been developed to enable the modification of individual genes in animals and plants and thereby precisely alter inherited traits. These genetically altered animals and plants are called transgenic and are of enormous value in medicine and agriculture. An improved understanding of the basic processes governing germ cell and embryo development and of the biology of gametes (oocytes and sperm) and embryonic stem cells will enable us to improve reproductive efficiency, generate animal models of human and animal disease, and help to provide the knowledge base for regenerative medicine, as well as toward the treatment of infertility.
Scientists at the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania performed pioneering studies in the development of transgenic techniques and were responsible for production of the first transgenic farm animals. Capitalizing on years of foundation research the Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research was established in 1998. Our primary mission is to undertake innovative research on stem cell and germ cell biology, nuclear reprogramming by transplantation, and animal transgenesis. A major objective of this research is to improve the health and productivity of domestic animals by genetic modification.
Current studies at the Center are focused on exploring the biology of embryonic, somatic and germ line stem cells, as well as male and female gametes: |
