Expression of EGFP and NPTII protein is not associated with organ abnormalities in deceased transgenic cloned cattle

Cloning Stem Cells. 2008 Dec;10(4):421-8. doi: 10.1089/clo.2008.0015.

Abstract

Both enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and neomycin phosphotransferase type II enzyme (NPTII) are widely used in transgenic studies, but their side effects have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we evaluated the expression profiles of the two marker genes and the relationship between their expression and organ abnormalities. Eight transgenic cloned cattle were studied, four harboring both EGFP and NPTII, and four harboring only the NPTII gene. Four age-matched cloned cattle were used as controls. EGFP and NPTII expression were measured and detected by Q-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, and RIA in heart, liver, and lungs, and the values ranged from 0.3 to 5 microg/g. The expression profiles exhibited differential or mosaic pattern between the organs, the pathologic symptoms of which were identified, but were similar to those of age-matched cloned cattle. All data indicated that the expression of EGFP and NPTII is not associated with organ abnormalities in transgenic cloned cattle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / abnormalities*
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / genetics
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / metabolism
  • Cattle / abnormalities*
  • Cattle / genetics
  • Cattle / metabolism
  • Cloning, Organism / adverse effects*
  • Gene Expression
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / pathology
  • Kanamycin Kinase / biosynthesis*
  • Liver / abnormalities
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Lung / abnormalities
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Lung / pathology
  • Transgenes / genetics

Substances

  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Kanamycin Kinase