Summary 7

Cyranoski D. DNA swap could avoid inherited diseases. Nature [Internet]. 2009 Aug 26 [cited 2009 Sept 17]; doi:10.1038/news.2009.860. Available from: http://www.nature.com.mutex.gmu.edu/news/2009/090826/full/news.2009.860.html

A technique has been developed and tested on rhesus macaques where the chromosomes of one female’s egg is transplanted into an egg of another female who’s nuclear DNA has been removed. The aim of this experiment is to eliminate the defective mitochondria of the chromosome donating female from the offspring. So far 3 successful transfers have taken place with the rhesus macaques.
This research is very promising for human use as it has been successful in another primate and so should work in humans as well. Many mitochondrial diseases could be eliminated in this way such as type 2 diabetes, mitochondrial myopathies, and Leigh syndrome. Researchers feel that work on humans could be ready as soon as 2 years from now. Some potential complications may hold back using the technique on humans. Human DNA is a bit more delicate than the rhesus macaque’s. Strict laws governing the use of embryos, acquiring eggs, and nuclear transfer may slow things down. Also, there is some concern that, in some situations, the mitochondria from one egg may not be compatible with the DNA from another. Nevertheless, genetic researchers in the mitochondrial disease field are very excited and hopeful that this new technique will benefit future generations.