Scientists have created human eggs from skin cells in a breakthrough that could transform IVF treatment for older women and same-sex male couples. The early-stage work, led by Professor Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health and Science University, uses a technique similar to the cloning that created Dolly the sheep.
The process involves removing the nucleus from a skin cell and placing it into a donor egg that has had its own nucleus removed. After fertilisation with sperm, the eggs are treated with a compound called roscovitine, which prompts them to expel half their chromosomes, leaving the correct number to pair with sperm chromosomes.
However, the resulting embryos often had random chromosome pairings, making them unlikely to develop into healthy babies. Out of 82 eggs created, fewer than 10% reached the stage suitable for transfer to a womb, and none were cultured beyond six days.
Professor Mitalipov described the work as a 'proof of concept' and estimated that perfecting the technique and proving its safety could take another decade. 'I think it's going to be harder than what we've done over the years thus far, but it's not impossible,' he said.
Other scientists praised the advance. Professor Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh said it could help women who have lost their eggs due to cancer treatment, while Professor Ying Cheong of the University of Southampton noted it could 'transform how we understand infertility and miscarriage'.
