Haploid cells have several advantages for genetic study, but - apart from those in the germ line - they are rare in animals. Recent reports of haploid embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from activated oocytes in medaka fish and mice raised the possibility that engineered mammalian haploid cells might be good for genetic studies if reliable and efficient methods of producing them could be found. Zhou Qi and colleagues have taken a step in that direction with the development of pluripotent androgenetic haploid embryonic stem (ahES) cells and the generation of healthy transgenic mice by 'fertilizing' genetically modified ahES cells with oocytes. This development could lead to simpler and more efficient gene-targeting strategies.
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