“Meet ‘Retro’: First Cloned Rhesus Monkey to Thrive Beyond a Day Researchers in China have achieved a breakthrough in cloning with the successful creation of a healthy rhesus monkey named ‘Retro.’ Utilizing a novel technique involving the replacement of a cluster of cells crucial for placental development, scientists have significantly improved the efficiency of cloning. This marks the first successful application of somatic cell nuclear transfer in rhesus monkeys, paving the way for enhanced cloning in primates and other mammals.
‘Retro,’ now three and a half years old, is thriving, showcasing the success of the innovative approach. Unlike previous attempts using somatic cell nuclear transfer, which resulted in short-lived births, this breakthrough offers promise for the development of identical genetic models in a shorter timeframe. Rhesus monkeys, genetically close to humans, are frequently used in scientific research, and this cloning advancement could provide researchers with models that share identical genetic backgrounds for more accurate testing.
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study highlights the significance of overcoming placental defects, a common hurdle in cloning. By replacing cells crucial for placental development with those from a healthy embryo, scientists achieved a higher success rate and anticipate potential applications in other mammals and non-human primates. The technique, outlined in the study, opens new possibilities for efficient cloning with reduced egg cell requirements, signaling a positive stride in the field of genetic research.”