EFN

Four young monkeys named Spindly, Spindler, Tracker and Mito may hold the key to the elimination of an entire class of incurable genetic diseases. The primates were born through in vitro fertilization utilizing a newly discovered technique, which may one day make it possible to prevent women who are carriers of harmful genetic disorders of the mDNA from passing them on to their children.

Scientists from the Oregon National Primate Research Center swapped the mitochondrial DNA from the monkey mother’s egg with the mDNA of a healthy donor egg. The reconstructed eggs were fertilized with the father’s sperm and healthy offspring were born. This opens the door for the use of the technique in humans, and the eradication of common genetic human diseases. Beyond eliminating certain diseases, some are concerned that designer babies will be next.

Babies born using this revolutionary method would inherit nearly all of their genetic material from their father and mother. But a small amount, less than 1% of the DNA in a human, would come from the donor of the mDNA. This healthy genetic material would be passed on to future generations. This amazing discovery offers hope that the cure for age-related infertility is next.