Philip Damiani

Philip Damiani

Abstract

Recent Advances in Cloning and its Application in Conservation Biology

Extinction threatens multiple species. Given current trends, many rare or endangered vertebrate species will soon be lost despite efforts to maintain biodiversity through habitat and wildlife conversation. Even when a species is not endangered or threatened, the loss of biological diversity may lead to extinction of subspecies and other valuable genetic populations. One current method of preserving the genetic diversity of endangered species in captivity is through a series of captive propagation programs. These programs are not without limitations, however, which include limited physical space for animals, reproductive failure of the animals and general problems with animal husbandry. Recent advances in assisted reproductive techniques such as cryogenics of gametes/embryos, artificial insemination and embryo transfer have allowed for the further propagation of endangered species in both wild and captive populations. Most recently, with the progress in somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning), there is growing scientific and public interest in using nuclear-transfer techniques to facilitate the rescue of endangered species. However, unlike the cloning of rodents and domestic animals, where there is a ready supply of oocytes and surrogate animals, the cloning of endangered species will require the use of an alternative method of cloning known as interspecies nuclear transfer. This technology can increase genetic diversity of a given species if used as part of a captive-breeding program.

Biography

Philip Damiani received his B.S. in Zoology from the State University of New York at Oswego. He worked at the American Museum of Natural History in the Department of Herpetology for three years as a scientific assistant. He received his Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where his research focused on the nuclear and ooplasmic maturation of prepubertal calf eggs as a means of decreasing generation intervals in a breeding program. During his graduate studies he spent time in South Africa in association with the Henry Doorly Zoo. There his research involved the collection of oocytes and semen from a wide variety of species for conservation efforts. After graduation, he worked at ABS Global as director of the bovine in vitro fertilization laboratory and was head scientist for their pig-cloning program. He is currently a Research Scientist for Advanced Cell Technology's cloning laboratory and was lead scientist for the gaur-cloning project.

Relevant Publications

Lanza, R.P., Cibelli J.B., Diaz F., Moraes C.T., Farin P.W., Farin C.E., Hammer C.J., West M.D., Damiani, P. 2000. Cloning of an endangered species (Bos gaurus) using interspecies nuclear transfer. Cloning 2, 79-90.

Lanza, R.P., Dresser B.L., Damiani P. 2000. Cloning Noah's Ark. Scientific American 283, 84-89.

Damiani P., Fissore R.A., Cibelli J.B., Long C.R., Balise J.J., Robl J.M., Duby R.T. 1996. Evaluation of developmental competence, nuclear and ooplasmic maturation of calf oocyte. Molecular Reproduction and Development 45, 521-534.

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