Reprogramming mechanism dissection and trophoblast replacement application in monkey somatic cell nuclear transfer

Why non-human primates are needed in stroke preclinical research

Numerous seemingly promising cerebroprotectants previously validated in rodents almost all have failed in stroke clinical trials. The failure of clinical translation strikes an essential need to employ more ideal animal models in stroke research. Compared with the most commonly used rodent models of stroke, non-human primates (NHPs) are far more comparable to humans regarding brain anatomy, functionality and pathological features. The aim of this perspective was to summarise the advantages of NHPs stroke models over rodents, discuss the current limitations of NHPs models, and cast an outlook on the future development of NHPs in stroke preclinical research.

Genome-Scale Analyses Reveal Roadblocks to Monkey Cloning

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) remained challenging for Rhesus monkeys, mostly due to its low efficiency and neonatal death. Genome-scale analyses revealed that monkey SCNT embryos displayed widespread DNA methylation and transcriptional alterations, thus including loss of genomic imprinting that correlated with placental dysfunction. The transfer of inner cell masses (ICM) from cloned blastocysts into ICM-depleted fertilized embryos rescued placental insufficiency and gave rise to a cloned Rhesus monkey that reached adulthood without noticeable abnormalities.

Advancing primatology through ethical and scientific perspectives on rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) cloning

A critical turning point was reached in research with the recent success in cloning rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), a major advancement in primatology. This breakthrough marks the beginning of a new age in biomedical research, ushered by improved somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques and creative trophoblast replacement strategies. The successful cloning of rhesus monkeys presents the possibility of producing genetically homogeneous models that are highly advantageous for studying complex biological processes, testing drugs, and researching diseases. However, this achievement raises important ethical questions, particularly regarding animal welfare and the broader ramifications of primate cloning. Approaching the future of primate research with balance is critical, as the scientific world stands on the brink of these revolutionary breakthroughs. This paper aims to summarise the consequences, ethical challenges and possible paths forward in primatology arising from rhesus monkey cloning.

Unlocking trophectoderm mysteries: In vivo and in vitro perspectives on human and mouse trophoblast fate induction

In recent years, the pursuit of inducing the trophoblast stem cell (TSC) state has gained prominence as a compelling research objective, illuminating the establishment of the trophoblast lineage and unlocking insights into early embryogenesis. In this review, we examine how advancements in diverse technologies, including in vivo time course transcriptomics, cellular reprogramming to TSC state, chemical induction of totipotent stem-cell-like state, and stem-cell-based embryo-like structures, have enriched our insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that define the mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC states. We delve into disparities between mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC fate establishment, with a special emphasis on the intriguing role of pluripotency in this context. Additionally, we re-evaluate recent findings concerning the potential of totipotent-stem-like cells and embryo-like structures to fully manifest the trophectoderm/trophoblast lineage's capabilities. Lastly, we briefly discuss the potential applications of induced TSCs in pregnancy-related disease modeling.