Meanwhile,
These mice each two fathers:
For the first time. Nevertheless, mice born of two organic fathers have caused a healthy descendants. Similarly, This advance is based on unprecedented genetic manipulation, opening unexpected perspectives in reproductive biology.
Androgenesis, a natural phenomenon in certain species, was so far considered impossible in mammals. In addition, A Chinese team has however managed to get around this obstacle by modifying key epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, This discovery sheds light on the limits imposed by the evolution and the possibilities offered by genetic engineering.
Adult androgenic mice.
Crédit: Yanchang Wei
The obstacle of the genomic imprint – These mice each two fathers
In mammals. each parent transmits epigenetic marks regulating the expression of genes. These “imprints” differ according to their maternal or paternal origin, preventing the development of embryos from a single sex. The these mice each two fathers researchers identified seven critical regions where these brands must be rebalanced to ensure descendants. The team used CRISPR to modify these areas in sperm, imitating the marks normally brought by the ovum. Additionally, The embryos obtained from two fathers were then located in surrogate mothers. Only 3 out of 259 embryos have survived, including 2 to adulthood, and their subsequent fertility validates the principle.
This approach confirms the central role of the genomic imprint in embryonic development. Adult androgenetic mice had normalized gene expression, unlike unmatched embryos, unable to exceed the early stages.
Applications. limits
If the success rate remains low, this study proves that a viable development is possible without maternal genetic contribution. Potential applications include the preservation of endangered species or help with male couples. However, ethical and technical risks remain major.
Researchers point out that parthenogenesis (embryos from two mothers) is much easier to make. Androgenesis requires more arduous these mice each two fathers adjustments, reflecting different evolutionary constraints. These differences could explain its rarity in nature.
Ultimately, this technique could improve fertility treatments or the study of diseases related to the genomic imprint. But its use in humans is not possible before decades, due to the risks and the ethical questions raised.
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