Most endangered species are preserved through captive propagation programs. However, many limitations exist including restricted habitat for animals, difficulties in husbandry, and general reproductive failures. One possible solution to all of these problems is cloning. Through cloning techniques, Sooam hopes to rescue endangered species and possibly reverse extinctions that have already occurred.

 

 

Interspecies Cloning Research

 

One of the challenges that researchers face during attempts to clone endangered species is the scarcity of available surrogates. This is where interspecies cloning becomes necessary.

 

Our efforts to save endangered species involves the production of clone embryos using interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT). Interspecies SCNT procedures are similar to those of SCNT for dog cloning. The only difference is that eggs of dogs are used along with somatic cells of endangered species that belongs to a different species category from that of dogs, hence the term interspecies. One amazing possibility is that a cloned endangered species can actually be delivered using a domestic dog surrogate!

 

In June, 2011 Sooam signed an agreement with Gyeonggi Province for collaborative research on endangered species cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer.

 

Researchers at Sooam have recently witnessed a dog giving natural birth to a completely different species. Check back soon to find out more about this amazing accomplishment!