Differentiation of embryonic stem cell lines generated from adult somatic cells by nuclear transfer

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are fully pluripotent in that they can differenti ate into all cell types, including gametes. We have derived 35 ES cell line s via nuclear transfer (ntES cell lines) from adult mouse somatic cells of inbred, hybrid, and mutant strains. ntES cells contributed to an extensive variety of cell types, including dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in v itro and germ cells in vivo. Cloning by transfer of ntES cell nuclei could result in normal development of fertile adults. These studies demonstrate t he full pluripotency of ntES cells.