Abstract: The present invention relates to culture media for oocytes and uses thereof. Specifically, media for culturing an oocyte in vitro are disclosed, wherein said media comprise granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The presence of GM-CSF in the media increases the maturation and/or developmental competence of the oocyte making it suitable for use in subsequent assisted reproductive technologies. Methods for increasing the maturation and/or developmental competence of an oocyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culture media for oocytes and uses thereof. Specifically, media for culturing an oocyte in vitro are disclosed, wherein said media comprise granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The presence of GM-CSF in the media increases the maturation and/or developmental competence of the oocyte making it suitable for use in subsequent assisted reproductive technologies. Methods for increasing the maturation and/or developmental competence of an oocyte are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating a pluripotent cell from a pre-implantation embryo including one or more pluripotent cells. The method includes propagating the one or more pluripotent cells from the embryo under conditions that allow undifferentiated growth of the one or more pluripotent cells and do not allow growth of non-pluripotent cells from the embryo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating a pluripotent cell from a pre-implantation embryo without isolation of the pluripotent cells from other cells, the method including propagating a whole pre-implantation embryo including one or more pluripotent cells, embedded in a feeder cell layer and cultivated in a medium substantially free of serum, and isolating a pluripotent cell from the one or more pluripotent cells. The present invention also provides pluripotent cells generated by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating a pluripotent cell from a pre-implantation embryo without isolation of the pluripotent cells from other cells, the method including propagating a whole pre-implantation embryo including one or more pluripotent cells, embedded in a feeder cell layer and cultivated in a medium substantially free of serum, and isolating a pluripotent cell from the one or more pluripotent cells. The present invention also provides pluripotent cells generated by the method and uses thereof.

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: A method for the cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos, which comprises centrifugation of oocytes or embryos to polarize cytoplasmic lipid outside the oocyte or embryonic cells, subjecting the oocytes or embryos to low temperature conditions in the presence of a cryoprotectant which results in freezing of the oocytes or embryos prior to lipid depolarization, followed by low temperature storage of the frozen lipid polarized oocytes or embryos are described, as are oocytes and embryos produced according to such methods, and methods for producing live animals.

Abstract: Methods for the activation of nuclear transferred embryos using elevated calcium levels introduced into cells, and a maturation promoting factor (MPF) inhibitor are described. Elevated calcium levels introduced into the embryo cells from a culture medium containing elevated calcium levels, in the range 2 mM to about 12 mM, followed directly and immediately by incubation with DMAP are described. Also described are animals produced from embryos so treated.

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.