The present invention provides modified oocytes having a nuclear genome derived from a first oocyte and cytoplasm derived from a second oocyte from a different subject, and methods for making and using such modified oocytes. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be useful in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

Haploid human embryonic stem cells and cell lines, haploid multipotent human cells, and haploid differentiated human cells are provided. In addition, methods of making and using the haploid human cells are provided.

The present invention relates to in vitro methods of inducing gametogenesis by producing meiotically competent cells. Reagents and kits for use in the methods of the invention are also provided. The present invention finds use in the field of medicine, particularly in the study and treatment of infertility.

The present invention relates to a method of preparing magnetic oocytes and/or embryos by means of nanoparticles for assisted reproduction techniques and to the use in assisted reproduction techniques of non-human oocytes and/or embryos prepared with said method. Said method comprises: a step in which magnetic nanoparticles are conjugated with oviduct recombinant protein, OVGP1r; a step in which it is verified that the nanoparticle-OVGP1r conjugation attaches to the ZP of oocytes/embryos after being incubated together; and a step in which the number of oocytes/embryos having nanoparticles attached to them distributed around the ZP without being endocytosed is verified; and it is assessed if the amount of magnetic nanoparticles attached to the ZP of oocytes/embryos is enough to be attracted by a magnetic field.

The subject invention pertains to methods and devices for generating mature oocytes from immature oocytes and improving oocyte quality for improved success of assistant reproductive technology (ART). The methods include the use of tunneling nanotube-forming cells and oocytes, wherein the tunneling nanotube-forming cells transfer autologous genomic materials, biomolecules and cellular components to the oocytes. The devices of the invention include microfluidic device to improve the efficiency of the transfer of biomolecules and cellular components between tunneling nanotube-forming cells and oocytes.

Provided for the first time in the present invention is a method for preparing a non-human primate somatic cell cloned animal, which method specifically comprises the steps of: (i) providing a reconstructed egg, wherein the egg comes from the non-human primate (ii) activating the reconstructed egg to form an activated reconstructed egg or activated reconstructed embryo formed by the reconstructed egg; (iii) reprogramming (a) the activated reconstructed egg or (b) embryonic cells of the activated reconstructed embryo to obtain a reprogrammed reconstructed egg or reprogrammed reconstructed embryo; and (iv) regenerating the reprogrammed reconstructed egg or reprogrammed reconstructed embryo to obtain the non-human primate somatic cell cloned animal. The method of the present invention can significantly improve the developmental capacity of nucleus-transplanted embryos in non-human primates (such as monkeys).

The present invention provides a novel oocyte maturation medium or/and embryo culture medium with a chemically defined supplement to produce matured oocytes at high efficiency. The inventive medium or supplement comprises three growth factors, namely, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in a synergistic combination. Methods for oocyte and embryo culture are also provided.

Disclosed is a method for monitoring cell density during cell expansion resulting from a cell culture process in a bioreactor comprising the steps of: a) cultivating cells in a bioreactor culture chamber according to a cell culture process having cell culture parameters; b) during said process, introducing cell culture fluid inputs and generating waste materials; c) determining the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their chemical species in the waste materials; and d) estimating the density or population of cells in the bioreactor based on said determination.

The disclosure relates to Bovine germplasm of Bos taurus variety JE840003146074527. Included in the present disclosure are cells comprising the Bovine variety JE840003146074527. Also provided by the present disclosure are tissue cultures of cells, animals obtained from said cells, and parts thereof, including F1 spermatozoa. The disclosure further provides for methods of breeding, selecting, and using the germplasm to improve existing commercial cattle herds generated from in vitro fertilization methods and progeny cattle obtained from in vitro fertilization and implantation and artificial insemination methods.

This disclosure provides ungulate embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of pre-implantation blastocysts or pluripotent cells from embryos. From an agricultural and biomedical perspectives, the derivation of stable ESCs from domestic ungulates is important for genomic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and providing an experimental tool for studying human diseases. Cattle are one of the most important domestic ungulates that are commonly used for food and bioreactors.