Scientists have turned human skin cells into eggs in a breakthrough that could transform fertility treatment. The early-stage work, led by Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health and Science University, could help older women, cancer survivors, and same-sex male couples have genetically related children.
The technique uses somatic cell nuclear transfer, the cloning method that created Dolly the sheep. Researchers removed the nucleus from a skin cell and placed it into a donor egg stripped of its own DNA. After fertilisation, a compound called roscovitine prompted the egg to discard half its chromosomes, mimicking the natural reduction needed for healthy embryos.
However, the resulting embryos often had the wrong number of chromosomes, making them unsuitable for implantation. Out of 82 eggs created, fewer than 10% developed to the stage used in IVF, and none survived beyond six days. The team described the work as a “proof of concept” and said perfecting the technique could take another decade.
British experts praised the breakthrough but emphasised safety concerns. Prof Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh said it could help women who have lost their eggs, while Prof Ying Cheong of the University of Southampton noted it may transform understanding of infertility. Prof Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull called the science “impressive” but stressed the need for further research.
