In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In a groundbreaking development, eight children in the UK have been saved from devastating genetic diseases using a three-person IVF technique, providing hope for families affected by mitochondrial disorders.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a widely-used medical procedure that helps individuals or couples facing fertility challenges to achieve pregnancy. It is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

IVF Process:

1. Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries.

2. Fertilization: The eggs are then combined with sperm in a laboratory dish.

3. Embryo Transfer: After successful fertilization, the embryo is cultured for a few days and then transferred into the woman’s uterus.

4. Pregnancy: The pregnancy occurs if the embryo implants successfully in the uterine wall.

Three-Person In Vitro Fertilization (3-Person IVF)

The three-person IVF technique addresses a particular challenge related to mitochondrial diseases, which are caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Unlike nuclear DNA, which is inherited from both parents, mitochondrial DNA is passed only from mother to child.

What is Mitochondrial DNA?

• Mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cell, contain their own small amount of DNA, separate from the nuclear DNA in the cell's nucleus.

  Mitochondrial diseases arise when there are mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, leading to a range of potentially fatal conditions, including muscle weakness, seizures, developmental delays, and organ failure.

How Does the Three-Person IVF Work?

1. Step 1 – Egg Donation: A healthy donor egg, which has had its nucleus removed, is used in the procedure.

2. Step 2 – Nucleus Transfer: The nucleus (which contains the genetic material) from the mother’s egg is then transferred into the donor egg.

3. Step 3 – Fertilization: The father’s sperm is used to fertilize this egg.

4. Result: The child inherits nuclear DNA from both biological parents and healthy mitochondrial DNA from the donor, significantly reducing the risk of inherited mitochondrial diseases.

Genetic Contribution of the Donor

• The donor’s mitochondrial DNA contributes only about 0.2% of the baby’s genetics.

  The majority of the child’s DNA (around 99.8%) comes from the biological mother and father.

Impact of the Three-Person IVF Technique

• Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: By using healthy mitochondrial DNA from the donor, this technique prevents the transmission of dangerous mitochondrial mutations that would otherwise cause severe genetic diseases.

  Ethical and Medical Significance: Although this process involves genetic material from three individuals (the mother, father, and egg donor), the vast majority of the child’s genetics are inherited from the biological parents, making them the genetic parents.

  Long-term Benefits: Children born through this method are free from mitochondrial diseases, providing hope for families with a history of such conditions.

Conclusion

The three-person IVF technique marks a monumental achievement in genetic medicine, offering hope to families who face the prospect of passing down mitochondrial diseases to their children. This approach represents a cutting-edge solution to genetic disorders, and as technology advances, it may pave the way for future treatments targeting other genetic conditions as well.