The first baby conceived using DNA from three people to stop mitochondrial disease has been born in Mexico, according to research to be presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, next month.
The five-month-old boy was conceived using a technique known as spindle nuclear transfer, where the nucleus of the mother’s egg is transplanted into a donor egg with healthy mitochondria which has had its own nucleus removed.
Because mitochondria have their own small amount of DNA, once the egg is fertilised via IVF, the embryo contains the genetic material from three different people.
The technique was used in order to try and stop the baby developing the mitochondrial disease known as Leigh Syndrome.
Originally published by Cosmos as First ‘three-parent’ baby born
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
