Geron Corporation

Roslin Institute (edinburgh)

A John Clark

Chris Denning

J Michael Schiff

Wei Cui

Debbiao Zhao

This disclosure provides a system for creating cloned cells and embryos that are genetically modified. Cells are treated to increase expression of telomerase and potentially extend replicative capacity. One or more genetic modifications is made to inactivate a gene or confer desirable features, growing and selecting the cells as needed. The modified nucleus can then be transferred to a suitable recipient cell, which can then be used to grow an embryo with the conferred attributes. This technology makes it possible to create embryos, animals and embryonic cell lines with multiple genetic modifications, including homozygously inactivated genes and gene substitutions.

Telomerizing nuclear donor cells and improving the efficiency on nuclear transfer

This disclosure provides a system for generating animal tissue with carbohydrate antigens that are compatible for transplantation into human patients. The tissue is inactivated homozygously for expression of &#x3b1;(1,3)galactosyltransferase, and comprises a transgene for &#x3b1;(1,2)fucosyltransferase. As a result, cell-surface N-acetyl lactosamine is not converted to the Gal&#x3b1;(1,3)Gal xenoantigen. Instead, it is converted to Fuc&#x3b1;(1,2)Gal, which is H substance, a self-antigen in humans. The tissue may also contain A or B-transferase, which will cause H substance to be converted into other ABO blood group antigens for compatibility with patients of the same blood type. This invention improves transplant compatibility of the xenograft tissue by lessening the risk of reactions resulting from xenoantigen and unconverted N-acetyl lactosamine acceptor determinants.

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Midlothian, United Kingdom

A John Clark