Scientists in the US have successfully created human eggs from skin cells, a pioneering advance that could one day transform fertility treatment.
The early-stage work, led by Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health and Science University, offers hope for women who have lost their eggs through age, illness or chemotherapy, and even same-sex male couples who wish to have genetically related children.
Using a technique adapted from the cloning process that produced Dolly the sheep in the 1990s, the researchers removed the nucleus from female skin cells and inserted it into donor eggs that had had their own nuclei removed. These were then fertilised with sperm and chemically activated to shed excess chromosomes.
While the approach worked in principle, most embryos developed abnormally. Out of 82 eggs created, fewer than 10% grew to the stage normally reached before IVF transfer, and none survived beyond six days.
“This is a proof of concept,” Mitalipov said. “It could take a decade or more to perfect and demonstrate safety, but it is not impossible.”
Experts have hailed the research as a potential gamechanger for infertility. Prof Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh called it “a major advance” for women unable to have families after losing eggs, while Prof Ying Cheong of the University of Southampton said it could “transform how we understand infertility and miscarriage.”
But scientists stress the work remains experimental, with significant safety hurdles ahead. Prof Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull warned that such breakthroughs demand “robust governance” and public dialogue to build trust.
If refined, the technique could eventually offer new possibilities for patients who currently have no fertility options — but researchers say caution and time will be needed before it reaches the clinic.
