Groundbreaking research has led to the birth of healthy mice with two biological fathers for the first time. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the field of genetic engineering and holds promise for future applications in human reproduction and species conservation.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, have successfully created mouse embryos from two sperm cells implanted into an egg after its nucleus had been removed. The process involved modifying the sperm DNA to turn on genes that would normally be activated by the egg. This method, known as epigenome editing, allows for the creation of an embryo with only paternal genomes.
The breakthrough came after millions of years of evolution determined how mammals reproduce, and yet, it was still possible to achieve in a laboratory setting. The researchers’ success is a result of their ability to make precise alterations to the sperm DNA, enabling the embryos to develop normally.
While the process carries a high risk, it could have significant implications for human reproduction and species conservation. Androgenesis, or creating offspring with two biological fathers, is rare in nature but has been observed in some animal species. The researchers’ achievement demonstrates that even complex biological processes can be replicated in a laboratory setting.
This development also sheds light on the concept of parthenogenesis, or “virgin birth,” which has been observed in various animal species. Parthenogenesis involves the creation of offspring without fertilization by a male. While it is not yet clear whether this technique will be applicable to humans, it holds promise for conservation efforts.
The researchers’ success is a testament to the power of genetic engineering and our ability to push the boundaries of what is thought possible. As one researcher noted, “Never say ‘impossible.'”
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a65179748/mouse-with-two-dads