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group_2_presentation_2_-_cloning [2020/02/28 22:41]
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group_2_presentation_2_-_cloning [2020/02/28 23:19] (current)
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 ====== What is Cloning? ====== ====== What is Cloning? ======
  
-Clones are referred to as organisms that are exact genetic copies of each other. To say the least, every single piece of their DNA sequence is identical ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch '',​ 2000). Till now, researchers have cloned various biological organisms from single cells and tissues to whole organisms such as a sheep (Noh & Neumann, 2001). Cloning ​is a process that can occur both naturally and artificially ​in the lab through the help of scientists ​(Noh & Neumann, 2001). ​Natural ​cloning ​is simply known as asexual reproduction in which plants and other single-celled microrganisms ​are able to produce their genetically ​identical ​counterparts readily (Wilmut, 2002)However, when it comes to artificial cloning, technological advances have paved way for newer techniques ​to arise (Noh & Neumann, 2001). ​According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), these include ​gene cloning, ​reproductive ​cloning and therapeutic ​cloning (Noh & Neumann, 2001).  +Clones are referred to as organisms that are exact genetic copies of each other. To say the least, every single piece of their DNA sequence is identical ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch '',​ 2000). Cloning can occur both naturally and artificially. We observe many examples of natural cloning around us, for example bacteria reproducing asexually ​through the process ​of binary fission is an example of cloning ​(Noh & Neumann, 2001). ​Our cells undergo cloning everyday through mitosis. And lastly, another really cool example of cloning are identical ​twinsAll these events have inspired scientists ​to experiment cloning through ​artificial ​means. Science has gone from cloning ​single cells to entire organisms and advancements continue to happen today (Noh & Neumann, 2001). ​The three types of artificial cloning that we will be discussing today include ​reproductive ​cloning, ​therapeutic ​cloning and gene cloning (Noh & Neumann, 2001).
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-Gene cloning initiates with the extraction of a DNA molecule from an organism and breaking the individual nucleotides down by slicing the strand into small pieces (Wilmut & Dominko, 2000). Plasmids are then integrated into genes and subsequently transferred into living bacteria and subsequently made into millions of colonies (Wilmut & Dominko, 2000). After pinpointing a particular gene of interest, bacteria is propagated to make multiple copies for further analysis (Wilmut & Dominko, 2000). These copies can then be utilized for modifying certain gene sequences in which scientists have the option of integrating novel pieces of DNA and replace it with existing segments of genomic material (Wilmut & Dominko, 2000).  +
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-On the other hand, in reproductive cloning, scientist removes a mature cell, usually a somatic cell, from an organism and transfers it to an egg that recently had its own DNA taken out (Seidel, 2004). That same egg is then implanted into the uterus of a female with the same species of the egg (Seidel, 2004). This was the exact technique used in forming the well known “Dolly the Sheep” (Seidel, 2004).  +
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-Lastly, in therapeutic cloning, a sample cell, similar to reproductive cloning, is taken out from an organism and is transferred to an outer membrane of a donor egg cell ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). This allows the egg to create embryonic stem cells ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000).+
  
 +<box 50% round center|> {{:​identical.png?​500|}} </box| Figure 1. Clone humans with identical Dna sequences. (Parsons, 2008)> ​
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 ====== History ====== ====== History ======
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-<box 50% round center|> {{:​blasto.png?​500|}} </box| Figure ​1. Blastomere splitting to create one or more embryos. (Noli, Ogilvie, Khalaf and  Ilic, 2017)> ​+<box 50% round center|> {{:​blasto.png?​500|}} </box| Figure ​2. Blastomere splitting to create one or more embryos. (Noli, Ogilvie, Khalaf and  Ilic, 2017)> ​
                            
                            
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-<box 60% round center|> {{:​bisection.png?​500|}} </box| Figure ​2: Bisection of a post-compacted embryo to achieve embryonic splitting. (Noli et al, 2017)>+<box 60% round center|> {{:​bisection.png?​500|}} </box| Figure ​3: Bisection of a post-compacted embryo to achieve embryonic splitting. (Noli et al, 2017)>
  
 ==== Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) ====  ==== Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) ==== 
  
-Compared to embryonic splitting, theoretically this method should be capable of producing multiple clones as it does not involve any loss of mass, however further improvements are required to reach a significant success rate. The first stage of SCNT involves preparation of the somatic cell, typically a skin fibroblast as it is easy to access and is less invasive and painful (Wilmut, Schnieke, McWhir, Kind and Campbell, 1997). To retrieve the cells, a tiny amount of skin is obtained and placed in a trypsin enzyme buffer solution that allows the cell to detach from its surrounding extracellular matrix. The cell is then placed in a serum medium for three weeks to obtain a single layer containing only fibroblasts. Once the skin fibroblasts are cultured, the nucleus or karyoplast is isolated to be later inserted in an egg without a nucleus.The second stage involves the preparation of an oocyte. To do this, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (hCG) is used to induce ovulation (French et al, 2008). The ovulated egg is extracted and the egg’s DNA is fluorescently labelled to assist with efficient removal (Heindryckx,​ De Sutter, Gerris, Dhont and Van der Elst, 2007). Once the nucleus is removed from the oocyte, it’s referred to as a cytoplast. The karyoplast obtained from the skin fibroblasts is transferred into the cytoplast. Electrical pulses are then used to induce fusion between the karyoplast and the cytoplast which results in an activated oocyte. The oocyte contains factors or chemicals that allow it to reprogram the genetic information in the somatic nucleus to induce pluripotency. The oocyte is then implanted in a surrogate mother who carries the pregnancy until delivery (Niemann ​and Lucas‐Hahn,​ 2012).+Compared to embryonic splitting, theoretically this method should be capable of producing multiple clones as it does not involve any loss of mass, however further improvements are required to reach a significant success rate. The first stage of SCNT involves preparation of the somatic cell, typically a skin fibroblast as it is easy to access and is less invasive and painful (Wilmut, Schnieke, McWhir, Kind and Campbell, 1997). To retrieve the cells, a tiny amount of skin is obtained and placed in a trypsin enzyme buffer solution that allows the cell to detach from its surrounding extracellular matrix. The cell is then placed in a serum medium for three weeks to obtain a single layer containing only fibroblasts. Once the skin fibroblasts are cultured, the nucleus or karyoplast is isolated to be later inserted in an egg without a nucleus.The second stage involves the preparation of an oocyte. To do this, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (hCG) is used to induce ovulation (French et al, 2008). The ovulated egg is extracted and the egg’s DNA is fluorescently labelled to assist with efficient removal (Heindryckx,​ De Sutter, Gerris, Dhont and Van der Elst, 2007). Once the nucleus is removed from the oocyte, it’s referred to as a cytoplast. The karyoplast obtained from the skin fibroblasts is transferred into the cytoplast. Electrical pulses are then used to induce fusion between the karyoplast and the cytoplast which results in an activated oocyte. The oocyte contains factors or chemicals that allow it to reprogram the genetic information in the somatic nucleus to induce pluripotency. The oocyte is then implanted in a surrogate mother who carries the pregnancy until delivery (Niemann ​Lucas‐Hahn,​ 2012).
  
  
-<box 50% round center|> {{:​scnt.jpg?​500|}} </box| Figure ​3: Artificial cloning of domestic animals carried out thru a process known as Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). (Keefer, 2015)>+<box 50% round center|> {{:​scnt.jpg?​500|}} </box| Figure ​4: Artificial cloning of domestic animals carried out thru a process known as Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). (Keefer, 2015)>
  
  ==== Human Cloning ====  ==== Human Cloning ====
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 Furthermore,​ cloned animals have also been used for clinical trials, allowing scientists to observe uniform responses for a given genetic makeup since all model organisms are genetically identical. In 2008, FDA approved meat and milk from cloned animals as safe to consume, which allows scientists to freely clone organisms with the most desirable traits, however, due to the cost associated with cloning it will still take some time for these products to become available to the public (“Cloning Fact Sheet”, 2017).  ​ Furthermore,​ cloned animals have also been used for clinical trials, allowing scientists to observe uniform responses for a given genetic makeup since all model organisms are genetically identical. In 2008, FDA approved meat and milk from cloned animals as safe to consume, which allows scientists to freely clone organisms with the most desirable traits, however, due to the cost associated with cloning it will still take some time for these products to become available to the public (“Cloning Fact Sheet”, 2017).  ​
  
-<box 50% round center|> {{:​collection.png?​600|}} </box| Figure ​4: The number of animals that have been cloned so far: (A)Rhesus Monkey (Sartore, n.d.), (B) Pigs (“Cloned pigs”, 2000), (C) Cat (Wadsworth,​n.d.),​ (D) Horse (Pabst, 2017), (E) Rabbit (“Cloned Rabbit, n.d.) ​​>+<box 50% round center|> {{:​collection.png?​600|}} </box| Figure ​5: The number of animals that have been cloned so far: (A)Rhesus Monkey (Sartore, n.d.), (B) Pigs (“Cloned pigs”, 2000), (C) Cat (Wadsworth,​n.d.),​ (D) Horse (Pabst, 2017), (E) Rabbit (“Cloned Rabbit, n.d.) ​​>
  
-====== ​Advanced cloning ​======+====== ​Other Types of Artificial Cloning ​======
    
 Reproductive cloning, therapeutic cloning and gene cloning are three types of artificial cloning. Reproductive cloning produces an animal that is genetically identical to the donor animal (Cloning Fact Sheet, 2017). This is done through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Reproductive cloning involves implantation of a cloned embryo into a uterus (Rugnetta, 2019). This allows the embryo to develop into a fetus. This type of cloning experiment was performed for over 40 years through embryo splitting (Rugnetta, 2019). In the 1990s, reproductive cloning saw major changes. This was after the birth of “Dolly the sheep”. Dolly was generated through SCNT (Rugnetta, 2019). Reproductive cloning using SCNT is considered to be very harmful because fetuses of embryos cloned through this process are usually born with birth defects. Also, fetuses born this way rarely survive gestation (Rugnetta, 2019). Reproductive cloning, therapeutic cloning and gene cloning are three types of artificial cloning. Reproductive cloning produces an animal that is genetically identical to the donor animal (Cloning Fact Sheet, 2017). This is done through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Reproductive cloning involves implantation of a cloned embryo into a uterus (Rugnetta, 2019). This allows the embryo to develop into a fetus. This type of cloning experiment was performed for over 40 years through embryo splitting (Rugnetta, 2019). In the 1990s, reproductive cloning saw major changes. This was after the birth of “Dolly the sheep”. Dolly was generated through SCNT (Rugnetta, 2019). Reproductive cloning using SCNT is considered to be very harmful because fetuses of embryos cloned through this process are usually born with birth defects. Also, fetuses born this way rarely survive gestation (Rugnetta, 2019).
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 Although much research is still being conducted in regards to cloning extinct and endangered species, many attempts have been done in the past by researchers (White, 2000). One of the first exposures was in 2003 when the first extinct-animal clone was created (White, 2000). How was it exactly created? A sample of frozen skin was extracted to clone a bucardo, also known as Pyrenean ibex (White, 2000). This was a subspecies of the spanish ibex that went extinct originally in 2000 (White, 2000). Even though it was one of the successful attempts, the bucardo died shortly after birth (White, 2000). However, upon examination,​ the process was tedious to say the least. The scientists first cloned the embryos by inserting the bucardo'​s DNA into domestic goat eggs removed from their original genetic material ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). Initially, researchers implanted about 208 embryos, of which only 7 goats became pregnant, and 1 survived ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). Through further investigation,​ researchers noted that the ibex eventually died from respiratory failure due to significant lung abnormalities right after its birth ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). ​ Although much research is still being conducted in regards to cloning extinct and endangered species, many attempts have been done in the past by researchers (White, 2000). One of the first exposures was in 2003 when the first extinct-animal clone was created (White, 2000). How was it exactly created? A sample of frozen skin was extracted to clone a bucardo, also known as Pyrenean ibex (White, 2000). This was a subspecies of the spanish ibex that went extinct originally in 2000 (White, 2000). Even though it was one of the successful attempts, the bucardo died shortly after birth (White, 2000). However, upon examination,​ the process was tedious to say the least. The scientists first cloned the embryos by inserting the bucardo'​s DNA into domestic goat eggs removed from their original genetic material ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). Initially, researchers implanted about 208 embryos, of which only 7 goats became pregnant, and 1 survived ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). Through further investigation,​ researchers noted that the ibex eventually died from respiratory failure due to significant lung abnormalities right after its birth ("​Cloning LiteratureWatch",​ 2000). ​
  
-<box 40% round center|> {{:​bucardo.png?​350|}} </box| Figure ​5: The First Extinct Mammal Brought Back to Life—Briefly—Was the Bucardo . Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/​90006702?​seq=2#​metadata_info_tab_contents​>​+<box 40% round center|> {{:​bucardo.png?​350|}} </box| Figure ​6: The First Extinct Mammal Brought Back to Life—Briefly—Was the Bucardo . Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/​90006702?​seq=2#​metadata_info_tab_contents​>​
  
 Other researchers soon followed and cloned two primates using the same technique that gave rise to Dolly the sheep (Wilmut, 1999). Being the first time in history in which primates have been cloned in an effective and appropriate manner, this outlined a major achievement in cloning history (Wilmut, 1999). After years-long experimentation,​ the chinese researchers named the two female macaques Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, are genetically identical and were born after a years-long effort (Wilmut, 1999). This discovery along with other milestones gave hope and for replicating the same technique in endangered species (Noh & Neumann, 2001). ​ Other researchers soon followed and cloned two primates using the same technique that gave rise to Dolly the sheep (Wilmut, 1999). Being the first time in history in which primates have been cloned in an effective and appropriate manner, this outlined a major achievement in cloning history (Wilmut, 1999). After years-long experimentation,​ the chinese researchers named the two female macaques Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, are genetically identical and were born after a years-long effort (Wilmut, 1999). This discovery along with other milestones gave hope and for replicating the same technique in endangered species (Noh & Neumann, 2001). ​
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-<box 40% round center|> {{:​diary.png?​300|}} </box| Figure ​6: The process of therapeutic cloning and derivation of pluripotent stem cells. Retrieved from: https://​bioethicsarchive.georgetown.edu/​pcbe/​reports/​cloningreport/​fullreport.html>​+<box 40% round center|> {{:​diary.png?​300|}} </box| Figure ​7: The process of therapeutic cloning and derivation of pluripotent stem cells. Retrieved from: https://​bioethicsarchive.georgetown.edu/​pcbe/​reports/​cloningreport/​fullreport.html>​
  
 One of the biggest concern comes from the basic fact that cloning would allow humans to procreate in an asexual manner which would give us the capacity for complete control over the genetic profile of our children. Upon further investigation fears about harm to the children'​s psychology and personality were revealed (Shapiro, 1997). Majority of these fears arise from opponents and their concerns that the technology is not yet safe enough and could be abused (AAAS Scientific Responsibility,​ Human Rights and Law Program, 2002). In addition to being harmful to the child itself, some expressed a concern for its negative effects on important social values. Social concerns such as how these cloned individuals will be able to integrate themselves within their societies and families (McGee, 2000). ​ As this somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning would open doors to a form of eugenics or tempting some to manipulate others as if they were objects instead of people with emotions and lives (Sapiro, 1997). Religion also played a role in the ethics of human cloning. Many religious individuals are against the technology because it is taking ‘God’s Place’ and because this will be leading to destroying a human life (in this case an embryo) (Sullivan, 2003). However, there are a few religious groups who support therapeutic cloning because of its potential life-saving benefits (Bainbridge,​ 2003). One of the biggest concern comes from the basic fact that cloning would allow humans to procreate in an asexual manner which would give us the capacity for complete control over the genetic profile of our children. Upon further investigation fears about harm to the children'​s psychology and personality were revealed (Shapiro, 1997). Majority of these fears arise from opponents and their concerns that the technology is not yet safe enough and could be abused (AAAS Scientific Responsibility,​ Human Rights and Law Program, 2002). In addition to being harmful to the child itself, some expressed a concern for its negative effects on important social values. Social concerns such as how these cloned individuals will be able to integrate themselves within their societies and families (McGee, 2000). ​ As this somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning would open doors to a form of eugenics or tempting some to manipulate others as if they were objects instead of people with emotions and lives (Sapiro, 1997). Religion also played a role in the ethics of human cloning. Many religious individuals are against the technology because it is taking ‘God’s Place’ and because this will be leading to destroying a human life (in this case an embryo) (Sullivan, 2003). However, there are a few religious groups who support therapeutic cloning because of its potential life-saving benefits (Bainbridge,​ 2003).
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-<box 80% round center|> {{:​cumulus.png?​1000|}} </box| Figure ​7: The process of therapeutic cloning and derivation of pluripotent stem cells. (Cibelli et al, 2001)>+<box 80% round center|> {{:​cumulus.png?​1000|}} </box| Figure ​8: The process of therapeutic cloning and derivation of pluripotent stem cells. (Cibelli et al, 2001)>
  
  
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