Trophoblast replacement enables rhesus monkey cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been used to clone cynomolgus monkeys, but cloning of other non-human primate species remains to be achieved. Our histological examination indicated severe calcification of the placenta of implanted SCNT macaque embryos. By replacing SCNT-derived trophoblast with ICSI-derived trophoblast, endowing a normal placenta for the SCNT fetus, we obtained a healthy SCNT rhesus monkey. Thus, trophoblast replacement represents a useful approach for rhesus monkeys cloning.