Humans vs. Sheep....which is easier to clone?

So who wins the fight? Well it has to be none other than....humans! Whoot, whoot! Why? Well because humans are just the best, duh. However, in scientific terms this is because humans and primates, in general, have two active copies of a gene called insulin-like growth factor II receptor (IGF2R). This gene prevents fetal overgrowth, which is a problem that has often hindered efforts to clone animals. This problem is due to the fact that nonprimates have only one functional copy of this gene. Thus resulting in genomic imprinting, which effectively silences the other copy and makes these animals have higher risk of exposure to cancer and cloning-related complications.

Scientists at Duke University used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are distinctive genetic markers, to test for imprinted IGF2R in humans and to "reconstruct the evolutionary history of the imprinted gene." The results showed that there was none found in humans; therefore, indicating that primates lost the imprinted gene around 70 million years ago (geez that is a long time). This study basically showed how humans may have a far less complex cloning process compared to sheep.

While, these researchers are positive about this study, other researchers think that the study is flawed because there might be other genes that contribute to the cloning problems in sheep. According to Ian Wilmut (professor at Roslin Institute who created the cloned sheep named Dolly), "it seems that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and the authors have allowed themselves to over-interpret their interesting results." Through the years, their has been countless disputes over gene cloning and stem cell research within the general public, the political spectrum, and the scientific and religious communities. What's your opinion on the cloning controversy? Jk I don't really care...or do I? Share your thoughts anyways. :{)

Article:

Genetic Difference May Make Humans Easier to Clone Than Sheep