US Scientists create human embryos from skin cells in fertility breakthrough

By Samuella Antwi

US scientists have successfully created early-stage human embryos using DNA from skin cells, marking a potential revolution in fertility treatments and genetic parenthood.

The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), involves reprogramming skin cells into functional egg cells, which are then fertilised with sperm to form embryos, without using a woman’s natural egg.

Though still in the experimental phase, the research, published in ‘Nature Communications,’ could one day make it possible for infertile individuals, older women, cancer survivors and even same-sex couples to have genetically related children.

Traditionally, reproduction has relied on the union of a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg. But OHSU’s method changes that narrative entirely.

The team, led by world-renowned reproductive scientist Professor Shoukhrat Mitalipov, started by extracting the nucleus, which contains the entire genetic blueprint, from a human skin cell. This nucleus was then inserted into a donor egg that had been stripped of its own DNA.

However, since this skin-derived cell contains a full set of chromosomes (46), the researchers had to trick the egg into discarding half of them, a process they call “mitomeiosis”, combining elements of normal cell division (mitosis) and reproductive cell division (meiosis).

Once the egg had imperfectly reduced its chromosome count, it was fertilised with sperm. Eighty-two functional eggs were created, and some successfully developed into early-stage embryos.

“We achieved something that was thought to be impossible. Eventually, I think that is where the future will go because there are more and more patients who cannot have children,” said Professor Mitalipov.

This technique opens possibilities that were once the realm of science fiction: Older women or cancer survivors who can no longer produce eggs may one day use their own skin cells to conceive and Same-sex couples could have biologically related children. For example, one male partner’s skin cell could be turned into an egg and fertilised with the other’s sperm.

“This method would allow for the possibility of same-sex couples to have a child genetically related to both partners,” said Professor Paula Amato, co-author of the study.

Despite the excitement, the process is far from perfect. The egg often randomly discards chromosomes, which can lead to genetic abnormalities. The success rate is low (around 9 per cent), and the process misses crucial genetic reshuffling (crossing over) that naturally occurs during reproduction.

“We have to perfect it,” Professor Mitalipov admitted.

Experts have praised the science but urged caution and transparency.

“Breakthroughs such as this impress upon us the need for robust governance. We must ensure accountability and build public trust,” said Professor Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull.

“There will be very important safety concerns, but this study is a step towards helping many women have their own genetic children,” added Professor Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh.