METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR ENHANCING DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIAL OF OOCYTES AND ZYGOTES

摘要

The invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the developmental potential of oocytes or zygotes by increasing intracellular levels of replicative mitochondria in the oocytes or zygotes. In one aspect of the invention, the intracellular levels of replicative mitochondria are increased by introducing replicative mitochondria into the oocytes or zygote s. The oocytes may be fertilized to obtain a zygote with increased intracellula r levels of replicative mitochondria. The methods and compositions may be used to improve in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer methods, and nuclear transfer techniques.