Chinese scientists have successfully created mice with two fathers using embryonic stem cell engineering. This breakthrough has revealed a possible way to enhance the developmental potential of embryos, overcoming a long-standing challenge in creating unisexual offspring.
The research team, led by Professor Luo Guanzheng from Sun Yat-sen University, used genetic engineering to correct 20 imprinted genes in mice embryos. The corrected embryos were then developed into viable bi-paternal mice, marking a significant achievement in the field of regenerative medicine.
This breakthrough comes after scientists successfully created mice with two female parents over two decades ago. However, achieving the same feat with two male parents proved more challenging. The Chinese team’s discovery provides strong evidence that imprinting abnormalities are the main barrier to mammalian unisexual reproduction.
The research has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as it suggests a promising approach to improving developmental outcomes in embryonic stem cells and cloned animals.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3296733/chinese-scientists-create-mice-2-fathers-using-stem-cell-engineering