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How does mitochondrial donation work to prevent inherited diseases?
Mitochondrial donation involves transferring healthy mitochondrial DNA from a donor egg into a mother's egg that contains mutated mitochondria. This process creates an embryo with nuclear DNA from the parents and healthy mitochondria from the donor, reducing the risk of mitochondrial diseases passed from mother to child.
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What are the latest results from the UK study on mitochondrial therapy?
The UK study reports the birth of eight healthy babies following mitochondrial donation. Six of these children had a 95-100% reduction in mutated mitochondrial DNA, and all are currently healthy. These results are seen as a significant step forward in preventing mitochondrial diseases.
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What ethical issues are raised by mitochondrial gene editing?
Mitochondrial gene editing raises ethical questions about modifying human embryos, potential long-term effects, and the idea of 'three-parent' babies. Critics worry about unforeseen consequences and the morality of altering human genetics for reproductive purposes.
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Could this therapy become widely available in the future?
While the therapy shows promise, its widespread availability depends on regulatory approval, ethical acceptance, and further research. Countries like the UK have begun to adopt it, but others, such as the US, remain cautious due to legal and ethical concerns.
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What are mitochondrial diseases and how common are they?
Mitochondrial diseases are genetic disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA, affecting about 1 in 5,000 births. They can lead to severe health problems, including muscle weakness, neurological issues, and organ failure, making prevention through therapies like mitochondrial donation highly valuable.