For the first time, U.S. scientists have created early-stage human embryos using DNA from skin cells, a breakthrough that could redefine how life begins and expand fertility options for millions.
Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) developed a method to turn ordinary skin cells into viable eggs, which they then fertilized with sperm. The experiment, detailed in Nature Communications, marks a significant step in a rapidly evolving field known as in vitro gametogenesis, the creation of sperm and eggs outside the human body.
A New Origin Story
Traditionally, reproduction begins when sperm meets egg. But the OHSU team rewrote that narrative by starting with human skin.
They extracted the nucleus, the part of a cell that contains genetic information, from a skin cell and placed it inside a donated egg whose own DNA had been removed. This process mirrors the technique used to clone Dolly the Sheep in 1996, but with a crucial twist.
To make the egg ready for fertilization, the researchers prompted it to discard half its chromosomes, a process they dubbed “mitomeiosis,” blending two natural cell division processes. Out of 82 reconstructed eggs, several successfully developed into early embryos, though none progressed beyond six days.
Promise and Caution
“This is something we once thought impossible,” said Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov, who led the study. “It could one day allow people who can’t produce eggs or sperm to have biological children.”
The technology remains far from clinical use. Current success rates hover around 9%, and the eggs don’t always discard the correct chromosomes, leading to genetic instability. The researchers estimate it could take a decade before the method is considered safe for fertility treatment.
Still, experts say the implications are profound. The technique could help people whose infertility stems from age, illness, or cancer treatment, and even make it possible for same-sex couples to share a genetic connection with their child.
Dr. Paula Amato, a co-author on the study, said the potential is personal as well as scientific. “In addition to helping those without viable eggs or sperm, it opens the door for same-sex couples to have a child genetically related to both partners,” she said.
Public Dialogue and Ethical Hurdles
While the science is groundbreaking, researchers emphasize the need for transparency and ethical oversight.
“This reinforces the importance of open dialogue with the public about advances in reproductive research,” said Dr. Roger Sturmey of the University of Hull. “We need strong governance to ensure accountability and build public trust.”
Dr. Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh echoed that sentiment, calling the findings “a major advance” with “very important safety concerns.”
The Future of Fertility
The experiment represents an early step toward a future where biology could be less limiting in family planning. Though years away from real-world use, this technology could one day make it possible for anyone, regardless of gender, orientation, or age, to start a family using their own DNA.
For now, the work serves as both a milestone and a moral checkpoint for science’s ability to rewrite one of life’s oldest stories.
