Scientists in the US have created human eggs from skin cells in a major step that could one day transform fertility treatment for women and same-sex male couples.
The early-stage research, led by Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health and Science University, used a cloning-inspired technique to turn skin cell nuclei into eggs capable of being fertilised. While the process is still highly inefficient and produced embryos with chromosome abnormalities, experts say the proof of concept opens the door to new possibilities in reproductive medicine.
The approach could eventually help women who are infertile due to age, illness, or cancer treatment, as well as male couples seeking genetically related children. “You could make eggs for men, and that way, of course, this would be applicable to same-sex couples,” Mitalipov explained.
In the study, detailed in Nature Communications, the team created 82 eggs, but fewer than 10% developed to the stage normally required for IVF. None were cultured beyond six days. The main hurdle remains ensuring correct chromosome pairing, which is essential for healthy embryo development.
Scientists not involved in the study hailed the work as “impressive” but urged caution. Prof Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh called it “a step toward helping many women have their own genetic children,” while Prof Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull stressed the need for “robust governance” and public dialogue on such advances.
Mitalipov described the results as a long-term project that could take a decade or more to reach clinical use. “It’s going to be harder than what we’ve done so far, but it’s not impossible,” he said.
