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An In Vitro Approach to Study Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Cybrid Model
Published on: March 9, 2022
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Novel reproductive technologies to prevent mitochondrial disease
Lyndsey Craven1, Mao-Xing Tang2, Gráinne S Gorman1
1Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
Human Reproduction Update
|June 28, 2017
Summary
Nuclear transfer (NT) shows promise in preventing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease by reducing mutation transmission. However, further long-term studies are needed before widespread clinical adoption for reproductive purposes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations cause debilitating diseases with limited treatment options.
- Maternally inherited mtDNA mutations pose challenges for genetic counseling and reproductive choices.
- Nuclear transfer (NT) is a potential reproductive technology to prevent mtDNA disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific evidence on the clinical application of nuclear transfer (NT) for preventing mitochondrial disease.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of different NT techniques for mtDNA disease prevention.
- To appraise the evidence for NT technologies in addressing infertility.
Main Methods:
- Searched PubMed database up to January 2017.
- Included documents from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
- Utilized keywords such as 'mitochondria', 'nuclear transfer', and 'mitochondrial donation'.
Main Results:
- NT techniques effectively reduce mtDNA variant transmission in animal models.
- Evidence supports NT for preventing human mtDNA disease, but long-term evaluation is necessary.
- Robust scientific evidence for NT in infertility treatment is currently lacking.
Conclusions:
- NT shows potential for preventing mtDNA disease, but requires cautious clinical adoption with close monitoring of offspring.
- Prenatal screening is recommended alongside NT-based assisted reproductive technologies.
- Further research is essential to establish the safety and efficacy of NT for both disease prevention and infertility treatment.
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