Scientists Achieve Breakthrough: Embryo Created Using Egg Cells Derived From Human Skin
OXFORD, UK – In a landmark achievement, researchers have successfully created a viable human embryo using egg cells grown from adult skin cells, a advancement offering potential new avenues for couples facing infertility and providing insights into early human development. The groundbreaking study, published recently, marks a meaningful step toward generating functional human eggs in the laboratory – a feat previously considered distant.
While in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains a common assisted reproductive technology, its success is limited by the availability and quality of human eggs. This new method bypasses the need for egg donation or retrieval, potentially offering a solution for women unable to produce viable eggs due to age, medical conditions, or genetic factors. The research, still in its early stages, could eventually “open the door” for people struggling to conceive their own biological children, according to Professor Ying Cheong of the University of Southampton, who was not involved in the study.
The process involves reprogramming skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs),which have the potential to develop into any cell type in the body. Researchers then guided these iPSCs to differentiate into cells resembling primordial germ cells – the precursors to eggs – and ultimately mature into egg cells capable of being fertilised. The resulting embryos were not implanted and were studied only for a short period, adhering to ethical guidelines.
“There will be very vital safety concerns but this study is a step towards helping manny women have their own genetic children,” researchers stated. The team acknowledges significant hurdles remain before the technique can be applied clinically, including ensuring the safety and stability of lab-grown eggs and addressing ethical considerations surrounding the creation of embryos outside the human body. further research will focus on refining the process and conducting rigorous safety assessments.
