Scientists have successfully created mice with two male parents, a breakthrough that could offer insights into mammalian genetics and reproduction.
This research, published on January 28, 2025, by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shows how genetic engineering can overcome natural barriers. The study's findings could potentially lead to new methods for understanding and treating genetic diseases, and even for conservation efforts.
The team, led by Wei Li, tackled genomic imprinting, a process where genes are expressed differently depending on whether they come from the mother or father. They modified 20 key imprinted genes, allowing for the development of mice with two male parents.
While these mice survived to adulthood, they showed developmental problems, such as facial deformities and infertility. This highlights the challenges of unisexual reproduction in mammals. The team's work builds on previous studies, like the 2023 research by Japanese scientists who created mice with two fathers by generating eggs from male cells.
The study provides valuable information about genomic imprinting and its role in development. The researchers emphasize that these techniques are not currently applicable to humans due to ethical and biological challenges. The full study is available in the journal Cell Stem Cell.
This research expands our understanding of how genes work and could help in developing new treatments for genetic disorders. It also contributes to the ongoing discussion about the possibilities and limits of genetic manipulation.