September 14, 2016.
From cells that were not eggs, researchers managed to create life. Mice have just been born from the meeting between spermatozoa and parthenotes, thus opening up new avenues for science.
Parthenotes and sperm can create life
British and German researchers succeeded in creating living things from cells that were not eggs. The birth of these mice is a world first whose story details have been published in the journal Nature.
To achieve the birth of these mammals, the researchers first used eggs which they forced to divide cells, which normally only occurs when they are fertilized with sperm. The cells created were thus taken and named “parthenotes”. The researchers then introduced sperm there to observe the result.
Other studies are planned to consolidate these results
In 24% of cases, say the scientists in their article, these cells were fertilized and allowed the birth of a mouse whose DNA, fertility and life expectancy are normal. For the researchers, the success of this project is only a first step in the process and if it is possible to fertilize the parthenote of an oocyte, fertilization of the parthenote of a dermatological cell can be considered.
Ultimately, researchers hope to better understand mammalian reproductive mechanisms. They believe, however, that more studies need to be carried out to arrive at more solid results, especially since, according to Simon Fishel, managing director of the British private clinic Care Fertility, “ it will take many years to understand the risks to DNA and human health “.
Read also: For whom and why to use in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
