- Scientists utilized Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy that was used to deliver a healthy baby boy.
- The experiment was aimed at eliminating inheritance of mitochondrial DNA mutation.
- Some sections of the scientific community laud the experiment as a significant step in embryology.
Scientists have made it possible for a baby
to be born using DNA from two mothers and one father. This is the first time
ever that this technique has been employed for the delivery of a healthy baby
from a parent who carried mitochondrial mutations.
The technique is approved in the UK but the
U.S based team that conducted this experiment had to go to Mexico to circumvent
the legislations in the U.S. This, however, is considered a significant step in
embryology that could help many mothers with mitochondrial disease to deliver healthy babies.
Dr. John Zhang and colleagues from the New Hope Fertility Centre New York are set to release the full details of the experiment later in October. Dr. Zhang plans to monitor the baby to ensure that it is well and that the technique is not only effective but safe for the baby. "We'd love to do it with partners around the world, and reach out to more families that might need help,"he added.
A Jordanian couple have been married for twenty years but they haven't been able to have a healthy child since the mother had a mitochondrial gene mutation. After 10 years of marriage they delivered a baby girl, in 2005, who was born with a mitochondrial disease called Leigh disease that resulted in the nerves, brain and muscles of the developing infant being affected. The child died when it was 6 years old. The couple had another baby, a boy, who died within 8 months due to the same condition.
Facts about Mitochondrial DNA Mutations
Mitochondria are called the 'powerhouse' of the cell and they have their own DNA which is independent of the nuclear DNA. They are responsible for 90% of the energy of the cell. The mitochondrial DNA constitutes only 1% of the DNA of an individual and it contains 37 genes.
- Mitochondrial mutations can be debilitating in certain conditions leading to severe organ failure.
- In adults the symptoms could become worse over time and lead to damage to cells in the heart, brain, liver, skeletal and respiratory systems.
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
This technique involves
- Taking a donor egg and removing the nuclear DNA
- Removing the nuclear DNA from the mother's egg.
- Adding the nuclear DNA of the mother to the donor egg
- Fertilizing the donor egg that has the mother's nuclear DNA with the sperm from the father.
- The fertilized egg that develops into a healthy embryo is then transferred to the mother to continue development in the womb.
Controversial Turn of Events
Though a section of the scientific community lauds the efforts by these scientists, this study has raised alarm bells as some scientists question the ethical aspects of this study. The director of the Human Genetics Alert which is a watchdog group, Dr. David King said about the study "It is outrageous that they simply ignored the cautious approach of US regulators and went to Mexico, because they think they know better. These scientists have used an experimental technique that many scientists still think is unsafe in order to create a world first."
However, Dr. Zhang and colleagues have maintained that they have followed strict ethical practices that include allowing only a male fetus to grow till term as females could transfer faulty mitochondrial DNA to their offspring while a male cannot.
This study will allow more than 4000 women who suffer from mitochondrial disease to have disease-free children if the study proves successful. This trial should not be confused with the development of 'designer babies' that are aimed at creating a better 'breed' with specific physical attributes. The current experiment was aimed at eliminating a life threatening condition and to allow a childless couple to have a healthy child of their own, how far the scientists have been successful remains to be watched intently.
References:
- ABOUT UMDF - (http://www.umdf.org/site/c.8qKOJ0MvF7LUG/b.9166823/k.2E25/Mitochondrial_Replacement_Therapy.htm)
- 3-Person IVF - (http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=6527)
Citations
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
-
APA
Amrita Surendranath. (2016, September 29). World’s First Three-Parent Baby. Medindia. Retrieved on Aug 08, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/worlds-first-three-parent-baby-163848-1.htm.
-
MLA
Amrita Surendranath. "World’s First Three-Parent Baby". Medindia. Aug 08, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/worlds-first-three-parent-baby-163848-1.htm>.
Chicago
Amrita Surendranath. "World’s First Three-Parent Baby". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/worlds-first-three-parent-baby-163848-1.htm. (accessed Aug 08, 2022).
Harvard
Amrita Surendranath. 2021. World’s First Three-Parent Baby. Medindia, viewed Aug 08, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/worlds-first-three-parent-baby-163848-1.htm.