1 in every 6,500 child are at risk to a range of mitochondrial diseases. These disorders have a range of severity and can cause muscle weakness, blindness, heart and liver failure, diabetes and learning disabilities.
These diseases are caused by the mutation in the minute amount of DNA found in the mitochondria. The mitochondria DNA are independent from the DNA found in the nucleus of the cell thus hinting towards the possibility that gene swapping could be used to produce healthy fertilised eggs.
Researchers from the University of Newcastle did just that. There were able to come up with a pioneering technique that allowed them to transfer healthy genetic material in the nucleus from women suffering from mitochondrial diseases into the eggs of women donors who were unaffected. Therefore any child born using this technique would now have a functioning mitochondria and their genetic make-up would come entirely from the mother's and father's DNA.
Previously, women who found out that they were carriers of mitochondrial disease were forced to make painful decisions. They could either opt to remain childless or risk passing on the disease to their child. Once affected, the effects would remain with the child for the rest of their life as the disorders are so far incurable.
Thus advancement in this aspect has an immense potential in helping women suffering from mitochondrial disease and give them a chance in starting a healthy family by preventing the onset of such diseases in the first place. They will not have to make painful decisions in having a child who may have the disease. Hopefully this technique can help end the tragic relationship where a mother has to pass on the disease to her children.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/apr/14/scientists-gene-swap-technique-disease
Posted by Daniel Yew (41947809)
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