Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have successfully created fertile male mice from two fathers, marking the first time in history that these “bipaternal” mice reached adulthood and reproduced naturally .
🔬 What’s the Breakthrough?
- The team used DNA from two sperm cells inserted into an enucleated egg, then crafted an androgenetic embryo—which typically fails to develop—via advanced epigenetic editing of imprinting marks on one sperm’s genome
- Out of 259 implanted embryos, two male mice survived the process—and both successfully sired offspring with female mice
🧠 Why It’s Significant
- Overcoming Imprinting Barriers
Mammals require specific maternal and paternal epigenetic markers. By reprogramming around 20 imprinted regions on one sperm cell, scientists created a functional “paternal” and “maternal” genetic contribution - First Fertile Bipaternal Mammals
Previous efforts produced bi‑dad mice, but none reached reproductive age. This time, both survivors reproduced—an unprecedented milestone - Scientific & Ethical Implications
This advance deepens understanding of genomic imprinting and could one day impact fertility treatments, endangered species conservation, and discussions around same-sex biological parenthood—though human application remains theoretical and ethically complex
🧪 Challenges Remain
- Low efficiency: Only 2 of 259 embryos developed into viable adults, signifying a <1% success rate
- Health concerns: Past studies noted abnormalities—enlarged organs, shortened lifespans—necessitating further refinement of epigenetic editing ndtv
- Ethical limits: Editing imprinted genes in humans poses significant scientific and moral hurdles, meaning clinical use is far off
🌐 What It Means
| Domain | Implication |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Validates modifying imprinting marks to bypass sexual reproduction needs. |
| Biomedicine | Could aid in understanding imprinting disorders and fertility. |
| Conservation | May offer tools to preserve endangered species with skewed sex ratios. |
| Bioethics | Raises questions about same-sex biological reproduction in mammals. |
🔭 What’s Next?
- Refinements in epigenetic editing to improve viability and reduce abnormalities.
- Larger animal studies (e.g., primates) to assess broader applicability
- Ethical and regulatory debate, especially concerning human reproductive technology .
