Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a pluripotent stem cell from a cell that is not pluripotent, such as from a differentiated stem cell or a lineage-restricted stem cell. The methods comprise culturing the starting cell in the presence of one or more epigenetic altering agents, such as a histone deacetylase inhibitor and/or a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Pluripotent stem cells are also provided, as are methods of treating or preventing a disease, disorder, or condition in a mammal using the cells.

Abstract: Methods for the production of nuclear transfer embryos, nuclear transfer embryos and animals derived therefrom are described. The method generally comprises at least the steps of: providing at least one enucleated recipient cell; providing at least one donor cell or nucleus; providing a fusion media which is substantially free of calcium; placing said at least one enculeated recipient cell and at least one donor cell or nucleus in contact with one another to form couplets; and, fusing via electrofusion in said fusion media said at least one recipient cell with at least one donor cell or nucleus to form a nuclear transfer embryo.

Abstract: Methods for the production of nuclear transfer embryos, nuclear transfer embryos and animals derived therefrom are described. The method generally comprises at least the steps of: providing at least one enucleated recipient cell; providing at least one donor cell or nucleus; providing a fusion media which is substantially free of calcium; placing said at least one enculeated recipient cell and at least one donor cell or nucleus in contact with one another to form couplets; and, fusing via electrofusion in said fusion media said at least one recipient cell with at least one donor cell or nucleus to form a nuclear transfer embryo.