What is cell nuclear transfer? | The cell nucleus

What is cell nuclear transfer?

A cell nucleus transfer (synonym: cell nucleus transplantation) is the insertion of a cell nucleus into a nucleusless egg cell. This was artificially produced in advance, for example by using UV radiation. The egg cell, which now contains the nucleus, can then be inserted into a sexually mature individual and discharged.

In this way, the formerly nucleusless cell is supplied with genetic information and changes as a result. This procedure represents a type of asexual fertilization and was first used in 1968. There are therapeutic approaches that aim to produce specific tissues from stem cells that can be used for transplantation.

Furthermore, somatic cell nuclear transfer can be used for cloning. For ethical reasons, this is only permitted in animals, although it is also controversial here, as many animals die or are born sick during this process. The most famous example is the cloned sheep Dolly. Genetically this cloned sheep was identical to its mother.

The nucleus of a nerve cell

Nerve cells (neurons) are terminal differentiated cells. In contrast to other cells, they can no longer divide.However, neurons have the ability to regenerate and to repeat tasks in a targeted manner (“brain training”) increases the plasticity of the brain. The cell nucleus is located in the cell body (soma) of the nerve cell.

The nuclear envelope contains myelin, a substance specifically found in the nervous system, and has a lower protein content compared to other double membranes. The absorption and transmission of information in the form of electrical impulses (action potentials) is the most important task of neurons. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers through which nerve cells can communicate with each other.

As the control center of the neuron, the cell nucleus primarily regulates the production of the various messenger substances and the expression of the respective receptors. By binding a neurotransmitter to the appropriate receptor, the corresponding effect is transferred to the nerve cell. It is crucial that there are no transmitter-specific effects, but only receptor-specific effects. This means that the effect of the messenger depends on the receptor.