Nucleus Genomics' Breakthrough Could Transform Assisted Reproduction
A groundbreaking technology, developed by American startup Nucleus Genomics, could revolutionize assisted reproduction. The method, inspired by the Dolly sheep cloning principle, enables women with age-related or treatment-induced egg depletion, and same-sex couples, to have genetically related children with enhanced health prospects.
The innovative process, called 'mitomeiosis', involves transplanting the nucleus of a human skin cell into a donor egg cell, stripped of its own nucleus. An electrical impulse and a special drug then force the reconstructed egg cell to shed its extra set of chromosomes. This method has proven feasible, with 9% of the resulting embryos reaching the blastocyst stage.
Nucleus Genomics, founded by Kian Sadeghi, has demonstrated testing embryos for predicted IQ levels and polygenic traits. This includes assessing risks for conditions such as cancer, schizophrenia, obesity, Alzheimer's, and bipolar disorder. Other companies like Herasight and Fairtility offer similar services, using genetic information and AI to enhance embryo selection and viability. Tech company executives in Silicon Valley are reportedly paying up to $50,000 for the selection of 'high-performing' embryos.
While the ethical implications of such practices remain a topic of debate, this technology could potentially help couples facing fertility challenges and provide insights into future health prospects. With further refinement, it may become a valuable tool in assisted reproduction, offering hope to those seeking genetically related children.
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