GERMLINE-COMPETENT AVIAN CELLS

摘要

Methods for identifying germline-competent avian cells, such as cultured chicken blastodermal cells, and methods for generating transgenic avians are disclosed. In addition, methods of screening for cell culture conditions or factors which promote the maintenance of germline-competent avian cells or other germline-competent animal cells in culture are also disclosed. Used in the methods of the invention are expression constructs comprising (i) a marker gene; and (ii) control sequences sufficient for effecting expression of the marker gene in germline-competent cells, wherein at least one of the control sequences comprises a control sequence of a gene which is substantially expressed only in cells which are germline-competent. The expression constructs contain a Oct4 proximal promoter.