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University of Hawai'i |
(808) 956-8856 Telephone |
For Immediate Release: |
May 9, 2000 |
Contact: Jim Manke - University and Community Relations - 956-6106 Dr Ryuzo Yanagimachi - Anatomy and Reproductive Biology - 956-8746
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| World Famous "Mouse That Roared" - Cumulina - Dies at Age Two Years, Seven Months |
Dr. Yanagimachi's First-Cloned to be Preserved and Displayed at New UH Lab Facility
The University of Hawai`i medical school's internationally renowned cloning laboratory has announced that Cumulina, the world's first surviving mouse clone, died last week of natural causes due to aging.
The mouse made headlines around the world when the results of the distinctive cloning technique of Dr. RyuzoYanagimachi's group were reported in the journal Nature in July 1998. Cumulina's younger sisters even made the trip to New York where publicists accompanied Dr. Yanagimachi and members of "Team Yana" for the announcement of research results.
Photos of Cumulina and her sisters appeared in the popular press and on television world wide, including extensive coverage in both Time and Newsweek magazines, where she was dubbed "The Mouse That Roared" to characterize the significance of the UH research work.
Cumulina got her name from the cloning technique that used nuclei from adult mouse cumulus cells that surround the developing eggs in the ovaries of female mice. Cumulus nuclei were injected into enucleated mouse eggs. Cumulina raised two litters before "retiring," and lab personnel say she was a good mother.
Mice generally live to be about two years old, so that in "mouse years" Cumulina lived well beyond her time. She was born October 3, 1997, and died a natural death due to aging on May 5, 2000. Two years and seven months roughly correspond to age 95 in human years. About 8 months ago, Cumulina developed a skin tumor - common in aging mice - and the tumor was successfully removed. She has otherwise been healthy and active all her life, except for several days before her death. She died while sleeping.
Dr. Yanagimachi indicated that Cumulina's remains will be preserved and mounted in a new permanent exhibit in the new Institute for Biogenesis Research. Construction of the lab is nearly complete, and researchers are expected to begin moving in over the summer. A dedication and open house will be scheduled in the fall.
