Methods for selecting germ-line competent cells in chicken embryos, and the use of the cells in the production of chimeras

摘要

Methods are described for selecting germ-line competent cells in stage X (E-G & K) chicken embryos comprising selecting cells from a stage X (E-G & K) chicken embryo which have an epitope expressed by germ-line competent cells associated with their cell surface. The epitope may be EMA-1 or SSEA-1, for example. Methods for producing a chimeric chicken embryo and a chimeric chicken using the selected germ-line competent cells are also described.