Scientists have created human eggs from skin cells, a development that could eventually transform IVF treatment for couples with few other options. The early-stage work, led by Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health and Science University, offers potential for older women, those affected by chemotherapy, and same-sex male couples to have genetically related children.
The technique draws on the cloning method used to create Dolly the sheep in the 1990s at Scotland's Roslin Institute. Researchers took nuclei from women's skin cells and placed them into donor eggs stripped of their own nuclei. After fertilisation, they used a compound called roscovitine to prompt the eggs to shed half their chromosomes, a crucial step to achieve the correct number for a viable embryo.
However, the process remains inefficient: fewer than 10% of the 82 eggs created developed to the stage at which IVF embryos are typically transferred, and none survived beyond six days. Chromosomes segregated and paired randomly, leading to abnormal numbers and pairings that would not result in a healthy baby, according to co-author Prof Paula Amato.
Prof Mitalipov described the work as a 'proof of concept', adding that perfecting the technique and proving its safety could take another decade. Prof Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh said the ability to generate new eggs would be a 'major advance' for women who have lost their eggs, for instance after cancer treatment, but stressed safety concerns.
Prof Ying Cheong of the University of Southampton noted that clinicians see increasing numbers of people unable to use their own eggs due to age or medical conditions, and that this research 'could transform how we understand infertility'. Prof Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull called the science 'impressive' but emphasised the need for further investigation.
