Oregon Scientists Create Fertilizable Eggs From Human Skin Cells
Oregon scientists have made a significant breakthrough in fertility research. Led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, the team successfully created fertilizable eggs in a lab using human skin cells. However, initial results showed eggs with abnormal chromosomes.
The team started by removing the nucleus from a human egg cell and replacing it with the nucleus from a human skin cell. They then induced the egg-like cells to discard extra chromosomes and injected donated sperm. Despite the complex process, about 9% of the eggs reached the blastocyst stage of early embryo development in lab dishes. However, the chromosomes in the eggs were abnormal in several ways, as confirmed by senior author Shoukhrat Mitalipov. Dr. Eve Feinberg, while excited about the potential of the work, acknowledged the chromosome issues. Mitalipov described the initial findings as a proof-of-concept, marking a significant step towards helping humans conceive through laboratory-created eggs.
The Oregon Health & Science University team estimates it could take a decade for trials in people, as they continue to refine the process and address the chromosomal abnormalities.
While the Oregon team's work holds promise for future fertility treatments, more research is needed to overcome the current chromosomal issues. The team's success in creating fertilizable eggs from human skin cells is a significant milestone in reproductive science.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program
