Animal cloning applications and issues

Abstract

Significant progress in the field of biotechnology has allowed for the use of cloning in animals which is being used: to improve genetic makeup, to rescue endangered species, in tissue engineering and to increase farm animal population. Unfortunately, cloning has been met with failure due to a variety of reasons namely early and late abortions, compromised immune systems, circulatory and respiratory problems and a high rate of fetal death. The reasons of these problems are unknown, but may research groups are attempting to understand the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in cloning efficiency. Atypical epigenetic re-programming appears to be the primary cause of ineffective cloning. Understanding molecular mechanisms involving key regulatory proteins is pivotal in the success of animal cloning. This review shows the current paradigm involving animal cloning efficiency, and also further elucidates applications to improve animal cloning efficiency.