This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

GWHEG figure

GWHEG figure

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Reproductive Revolution: how our skins cells might be turned into sperm and eggs

Scientists have recently discovered a way to make somatic cells into sperm and egg cells in vitro in mice (iPSC cells). They do this by injecting somatic cells with a cocktail of genes that generate transcription factors that then tricks the cell to into thinking it is a different type. To turn the cells into gametes, the iPSCs receive chemical signals from the tissues in the ovaries or sperm cells. Once the cells are induced they can then be planted back into the mouse to mature to their full development. This study has not been conducted on humans yet, however, this great of leap in science could lead to genetically modifying human offspring. It would also allow same sex partners to have a genetically related child, and even a single parent to create a child from 100% of their cells.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/14/scientists-create-sperm-eggs-using-skin-cells-fertility-ethical-questions?CMP=share_btn_link

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