Scientists Create Human Eggs from Skin Cells for First Time
Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University have made a groundbreaking achievement by creating human eggs from skin cells for the first time. The research team, including experts from Avita Therapeutics, has successfully reprogrammed human skin cells into fertilizable eggs, raising hopes for new fertility treatments.
The method involves a complex process of removing the nucleus from a skin cell and placing it into a donor egg emptied of its own DNA. The egg then undergoes a process called 'mitomeiosis', where it sheds half of its chromosomes, making it ready for fertilisation. However, the team faced challenges, with many of the embryos showing chromosomal abnormalities. Out of 82 eggs created, only a small fraction developed into early embryos, and none grew beyond six days.
The team, led by Professor Shoukhrat Mitalipov, remains optimistic about the future of this research. They foresee potential applications in fertility medicine, such as enabling new treatments for women with diminished ovarian reserves or infertility. However, they acknowledge the need for extensive testing and ethical considerations before clinical use. Professor Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh praised the work but stressed the importance of safety. Professor Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull highlighted the need for robust governance to ensure accountability and build public trust.
While the initial results are promising, the creation of human eggs from skin cells is still in its early stages. Further research and rigorous testing are needed to ensure the safety and functionality of these eggs. The potential implications for fertility medicine are significant, but the path to clinical use remains uncertain.
