US EditionEggs fertilized with material from human skin cells for first time
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University created 82 fertilizable eggs from adult skin cells with 9% developing to early embryos, offering hope for infertility treatments and same-sex couples.
- On Tuesday, Oregon Health & Science University scientists produced fertilisable human eggs using DNA from adult skin cells, reporting early-stage embryos in Nature Communications.
- Using somatic cell nuclear transfer, researchers removed a skin cell nucleus and implanted it into a donor egg, then induced mitomeiosis to halve chromosome count and mimic egg formation.
- The team produced 82 oocytes that were fertilised, and roughly 9% reached the blastocyst stage at six days, but none developed beyond that point.
- The team reported chromosome abnormalities and cautioned that none of the 82 fertilised eggs had correct chromosome counts, with OHSU researchers warning clinical use may be a decade away, urging FDA review.
- Experts warn that despite therapeutic potential, public dialogue and governance are essential, as researchers said the method could help people lacking viable eggs or sperm, including same-sex couples and older women.
196 Articles
196 Articles
Scientists created human egg cells from skin cells — then used them to make embryos
In a proof-of-concept experiment, scientists demonstrated that you can create and fertilize human eggs in the lab using sperm, genes from skin cells, and the "shells" of existing egg cells.
American scientists have created early human embryos for the first time by manipulating DNA taken from human skin cells and then fertilizing them with sperm. The technique could overcome infertility due to age or disease. The method could theoretically allow same-sex couples to have genetically related children. But researchers still have many years of work ahead of them.
Researchers have changed human skin cells in such a way that they could be fertilized with sperm. Older women or same-sex couples could open up completely new possibilities.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
