Generation of transgenic poultry by transfection of primordial germ cells

Avian primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate via the extraembryonic blood fro m the germinal crescent to the developing gonads where they differentiate i nto spermatogonia and oogonia. PGCs thus represent a potential target cell for the introduction of foreign DNA into the avian germline. Retroviral tra nsduction and DNA transfection of PGCs have been successfully utilized as g ene transfer methods to produce transgenic offspring. The advantage of PCC methodology is the relative simplicity of the technique. A limitation of th is approach is the need for second generation progeny to obtain birds carry ing the transgene in all cells because the founder animal is a transgenic c himera only in gonadal tissue.