Breakthrough: Human Eggs Fertilised Using Genetic Material from Skin Cells
Scientists have successfully fertilised human eggs created using genetic material derived from skin cells, marking a significant step towards potential new fertility treatments. The groundbreaking research, published today, demonstrates a process that could one day allow individuals unable too produce viable eggs or sperm to have biological children.
The technique, known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), involves reprogramming skin cells into stem cells. Researchers then utilize a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer, implanting the nucleus – containing the genetic material – from a person’s skin cells into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed.
A key challenge previously hindering this approach was the resulting fertilised egg containing an excess of chromosomes. To overcome this,the US-based team developed a method called mitomeiosis,which mimics natural cell division and prompts the discarding of one set of chromosomes,leaving a healthy,fertilisable cell.
In laboratory experiments, 82 developing eggs (oocytes) created using this method were fertilised with sperm. Approximately one in ten – 10% – successfully reached the blastocyst stage,a crucial point in development around six days after fertilisation,when embryos are typically transferred to the uterus during IVF treatment.
“For the first time, scientists have shown that DNA from ordinary body cells can be placed into an egg, activated, and made to halve its chromosomes, mimicking the special steps that normally create eggs and sperm,” explained Ying Cheong, a professor of reproductive medicine and consultant at the University of Southampton. “This is an exciting proof of concept.”
Experts emphasize that further research is crucial. Richard Anderson, professor of clinical reproductive science at the University of Edinburgh, stated the research demonstrates “genetic material from skin cells can be used to generate an egg-like cell with the right number of chromosomes to be fertilised and develop into an early embryo.”
The development holds “immense therapeutic potential” for individuals with non-viable sperm or eggs, and could fundamentally change our understanding of infertility and miscarriage, possibly ”opening the door to creating egg or sperm-like cells for those who have no other options,” Cheong added.
