Vector for genetically modifying non-human animals

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a vector and its use to generate genetically modified animals and cells. One aspect of this invention involves a vector that comprises a sperm cell and one or more polynucleotide molecules bound to a sperm cell through one or more non-liposome based linkers. The sperm cell can be any animal sperm cell, preferably non-human animal. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the one or more polynucleotide molecules encode for a gene product that confers desired characteristics in the cells or the animals. In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the linker is a protein or polypeptide, preferably sperm specific such as an antibody that binds with the external surface of the sperm cell. The linker interacts with one or more polynucleotide molecules preferably by ionic interaction. This interaction can also be carried out by different molecular interactions, including the use of another or secondary linker. The association of the sperm, linker, and the one or more polynucleotide can also occur in vitro or in vivo. In another aspect of the present invention, genetically modified cells or animals are derived from the fertilization of an animal egg cell with the vector described above. Fertilization can occur in vitro or in vivo. In one preferred embodiment, genetic modification occurs with the polynucleotide molecule integrating, wholly or partially, into the cell or animal's genome. Another aspect of the present invention includes cells, such as sperm cells or egg cells, and cell lines that are derived from these genetically modified animals or their descendants. In another aspect of the present invention, the genetically modified animals derived from the use of the sperm vector described above possess certain desired characteristics. Examples of these characteristics include faster growth rates, disease or pathogen resistance, high production of certain proteins in milk, and organs suitable for animal to human xenotransplantation.

1 . A vector for genetically modifying non-human animals or cells comprising: 
 a non-human sperm cell; and    at least one polynucleotide molecule bound to an external surface of the non-human sperm cell through at least one linker, wherein said linker is a sperm-specific antibody.    
     
     
         2 - 8 . (canceled)  
     
     
         9 . A vector of  claim 1  wherein the at least one polynucleotide molecule is a DNA molecule.  
     
     
         10 . A vector of  claim 9  wherein the DNA molecule encodes for a gene product.  
     
     
         11 . A vector of  claim 10  wherein the gene product is an RNA molecule.  
     
     
         12 . A vector of  claim 10  wherein the gene product is a protein.  
     
     
         13 - 14 . (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . A vector of  claim 1  wherein the at least one polynucleotide molecule binds to the external surface of the non-human sperm cell through the non-liposome based linker in vivo.  
     
     
         16 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . A cell derived from effecting fertilization of a non-human egg cell with a vector wherein the vector comprises: 
 a non-human sperm cell; and    at least one polynucleotide molecule linked to an external surface of the non-human sperm cell through at least one linker, wherein said linker is a sperm-specific antibody.    
     
     
         22 . The cell of  claim 21  wherein fertilization occurred in vitro or in vivo.  
     
     
         23 . A cell of  claim 21  wherein the at least one polynucleotide molecule is wholly or partially integrated into the genome of said cell.  
     
     
         24 - 34 . (canceled)  
     
     
         35 . A method of genetically modifying a non-human animal comprising the steps: 
 associating at least one polynucleotide molecule to an external surface of a non-human sperm cell through at least one linker, wherein said linker is a sperm-specific antibody;    effecting in vitro or in vivo fertilization of a non-human egg cell with the non-human sperm cell associated through the linker with the at least one polynucleotide molecule.    
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the associating occurred in vitro or in vivo.  
     
     
         37 - 42 . (canceled)  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the at least one polynucleotide molecule is a DNA molecule.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43  wherein the DNA molecule encodes for a gene product.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44  wherein the gene product is an RNA molecule.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 44  wherein the gene product is a protein.  
     
     
         47 - 51 . (canceled)