Came a step closer to cure infertility The discovery in mice could one day a new hope for women offer who have lost their fertility - as...
The discovery in mice could one day a new hope for women offer who have lost their fertility - as a result of cancer treatment, for example,
For the first time scientists have created viable eggs of mammals from scratch in the laboratory - and used them to produce healthy offspring.
Experts say the discovery could one day provide a new hope for women who have lost their fertility - as a result of cancer treatment, for example.
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However, there will probably be many years before the technology - so far in mice - is sufficiently reliable and safe for humans.
The scientists behind the discovery say the method could also shed light on the complexity of the reproduction, and contribute to the conservation of endangered species.
In the experiments, the Japanese team - uses stem cells from embryos taken recovered and produced both from mature cells from the tip of the tail of the mouse - led by Professor Katsuhiko Hayashi, Kyushu University.
One day this approach could be useful for women who have lost their fertility at a young age, as well as more conventional improved infertility treatments
Professor Richard Anderson of Edinburgh University
These were used to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells, which have the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, including the ability to transform into a variety of different tissues.
Both types of stem cells were exposed to a cocktail of certain chemicals and biological convincing signs develop eggs.
A key element of the process mixed somatic stem cells with gonads, "cells" taken from day 12 mouse embryos.
These play an important supportive role in the development of the egg.
Writing in the online edition of the journal Nature reports describe how form and surrounded by eggs at an early stage, the follicles spontaneously scientists.
The bag house structure oocytes in the ovaries maturation.
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A number of embryos were finally using a technique of IVF embryos and offspring produce healthy, fertile.
The success rate is low - only 11 of the 316 embryos ended two cells provide live births.
However, British scientists working in the same area, have welcomed the Japanese success.
Professor Richard Anderson of Edinburgh University, said: "This is the first report is that no one is able to develop fully in the laboratory through the early stages of development fertilized eggs and mature of oocyte (egg) ..
"Although we have eggs for women at the time far from producing art, this study provides a basis for experimental models to study how eggs develop other types, including women.
"This is a major challenge to study both because of the difficulty of obtaining eggs."
He added: "One day, this approach is for women could be useful, who have lost their fertility at a young age, and for improved treatment of more conventional infertility.
"A careful analysis in this paper show the complexity of the process and how it is not optimized by far."
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Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, Francis Crick Institute in London, said the work "should be considered as a principle into consideration, but a very promising, no end."
He added: "It is clear that, when transmitted to humans, be able to obtain functional eggs, reprogrammed the skin cells, iPS cells have to overcome major female infertility by as example the treatment of cancer as a child, but also many other applications in the research, regenerative medicine may open and prevent genetic diseases. "
But he said there were "still many practical and ethical challenges."
Martin Johnson, professor of reproductive sciences at the University of Cambridge - who described the research as "outstanding", said: "The data are not primarily of interest to scientists, but may be clinically relevant for patients who have the eggs of their own . "
