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This experiment of making eggs from human skin cells can prove to be revolutionary in science. But the chromosomal disturbances present in it can also make it dangerous.
A symbolic picture made with the help of AI.New Delhi: Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have made a shocking experiment. He succeeded in preparing eggs from human skin cells. This technique can help not only the couples struggling with infertility but also gay joints in future so that their children are genetically connected to the partners. But with this success, a big danger has also come to light – serious chromosomal disturbances were found in the prepared eggs. This is the reason that scientists have warned that at least a decade and research will have to be done before trying this technology at humans.
The OHSU team removed the nucleus from a human egg cell and replaced the skin cell nucleus. The problem was that skin cells consist of two set chromosomes while the eggs and sperm must have only one set. Therefore, researchers adopted a new method of ‘reducing chromosome number’.
He forced the egg -looking cells to remove excess chromosomes and then injected a donated sperm in it. As a result, about 9% of the eggs lived in the lab dish for six days and reached the blastocyst stage. But further development had to be stopped because there were abnormalities in them.
The study of the study’s senior author and OHSU’s embroidery cell and gene therapy director Shaukharat Mitlipov admitted that his team had developed a new process of reducing chromosome numbers. But this is not ‘quite good’ yet so that normal genetic eggs or embryos can be prepared. He called it a ‘proof-off-concept’ and said that the team is working towards reform.
Ethical questions in front of science
The opinion of external scientists is divided on this research. Stem cell researcher Dieterich Egley of Columbia University described chromosome disturbances as serious concern. At the same time, Dr. Eve Fineberg says that although the problem is important, this experiment is a big step in this direction. He said – ‘This team showed that chromosome number can be reduced, just it is not completely correct. But this is very exciting.
If this technique develops, then couples struggling with infertility can get great relief. Also, it can open a new way for gay couples. But at the moment its biggest challenge is to keep chromosome normal and stable. This is the reason that scientists believe that it may take at least 10 more years for humans to start its trial.
Deepak Verma is a journalist currently employed as deputy news editor in news18 hindi (digital). Born and brough up in lucknow, Deepak’s Journey Began with Print Media and Soon Transitioned towards digital. He … Read more