Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has long been envisioned as a means for generating patient-specific stem cells to treat a range of age-related diseases. Until now, only three research groups have reported the successful derivation of SCNT-derived pluripotent stem cells (SCNT-PSCs). Our group has shown for the first time that human SCNT-PSCs can be successfully generated using dermal fibroblasts from 35 and 75 year-old males, and also recently established another SCNT-PSC from a patient with disease. However, despite cloning success in these groups, the derivation of stem cell lines from cloned human embryos has proven elusive. So, several approaches for the optimization of SCNT conditions, such as the use of protein phosphatase inhibitors, oocyte activation method and epigenetic regulation have been applied in order to overcome the obstacle. This study reveals mechanistic insights and establishes a promising method for improving human SCNT for regenerative medicine.

• Dong Ryul Lee(CHA Stem Cell Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University)