Can Mice Be Produced With Two Genetic Mothers?

[Orion1]

They have produced mice with two genetic moms -- and no father.

In fact, one of the mouse mothers was a mutant newborn, whose DNA had been altered to make it act like a male's contribution to an embryo.

But the new work sheds light on why people, mice and other mammals normally need a male's DNA for reproduction, and some experts say it also has implications for the idea of using stem cells to treat disease.

They say they produced two mice, one of which grew to maturity and gave birth.

Experts also noted that it took hundreds of eggs to produce just two mice and that the health risks are unknown.

However, the study provides new evidence for the standard explanation for why mammals normally need a male's DNA.

Scientists say that in an embryo, some mammal genes behave differently if inherited from the father rather than the mother, and that this paternal activity pattern is needed for normal development.

Relatively few genes act in that way, and they are said to be "imprinted." In some cases these genes are active only if inherited from the father, not the mother, and in other cases it is the other way around.

That DNA was combined with genes from ordinary female mice to make reconstructed eggs. Only two of 457 such eggs produced living mice.

Reference:
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/apr/04222004/nation_w/159640.asp

 

[Monique]

You are already the third to start the discussion, word is spreading fast :) please continue the discussion in the following thread though https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=21880"

 

[ravenprp]

The concept of maleless mass manufacturing and the production of mice with two genetic moms is a fascinating and groundbreaking development in the field of genetics and reproduction. This study sheds light on the importance of male DNA in mammalian reproduction and provides new evidence for the standard explanation for why mammals normally need a male's DNA.

The fact that the researchers were able to produce two mice, one of which grew to maturity and gave birth, is a significant achievement. However, it is important to note that it took hundreds of eggs to produce just two mice and the potential health risks associated with this method are still unknown. This highlights the need for further research and caution in the use of this technique.

This study also has implications for the use of stem cells in treating diseases. The fact that the scientists were able to create a mouse with two genetic mothers using stem cells is a promising development in the field of regenerative medicine. However, the potential risks and ethical considerations surrounding this technique must be carefully evaluated before it can be applied to human therapies.

The discovery of imprinted genes and their role in normal development is another significant aspect of this study. These genes behave differently depending on whether they are inherited from the father or the mother, and this paternal activity pattern is essential for proper development. This further emphasizes the importance of male DNA in mammalian reproduction.

In conclusion, the maleless mass manufacturing technique and the production of mice with two genetic mothers is a groundbreaking development in the field of genetics and reproduction. It provides valuable insights into the role of male DNA in mammalian reproduction and has potential implications for stem cell therapies. However, further research and careful consideration of the potential risks and ethical implications is necessary before this technique can be applied to human reproduction.