Do the Mammalian Artificial Oocytes Repair Reproductive Dysfunctions in Mammalian Species?: A Review

Abstract

Artificial oocytes were used of different mammalian species for repairing reproductive dysfunctions. Artificial oocytes are those created in vitro using enucleated germinal vesicle, metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes followed by embryonic cells, somatic cells, pluripotent stem cells and germ cells nuclear transfer. Artificial oocytes are under development, they have the potential to revolutionize reproduction in mammalian species. The potential applications of artificial oocytes include 1) treatment of infertility as premature ovarian failure, ovarian cancer, or other conditions that damage the ovaries, 2) preservation of fertility, 3) creating cloned and transgenic animals. While artificial oocytes have the potential to revolutionize reproductive medicine, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed before they can be effectively and safely used in humans including the adapting efficient and safe enucleation techniques. Furthermore, cellular reprogramming is the biggest obstacle for creating artificial oocytes in addition to activation procedures to ensure that artificial oocytes are genetically and epigenetically normal and producing healthy offspring. Several studies are designed to overcome these challenges and there is significant progresses being made. Offspring are obtained in several animals species whereas developed blastocysts were obtained in humans. This review is developed and implemented to discuss the progress in creation of “artificial oocytes” in addition to the factors affecting the developmental competence of reconstructed oocytes.