Scientists create human eggs from skin cells in fertility breakthrough

Researchers have created human eggs from skin cells, potentially transforming IVF treatment for couples who have no other options.

- Ian Sample

The work is at an early stage but if scientists can perfect the process it would provide genetically related eggs for women who are infertile because of older age, illness or medical treatment. The same procedure could be used to make eggs for same-sex male couples.

"The largest group of patients who might benefit would be women of advanced maternal age," said Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov, who led the research at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.

It could also help those who have been through chemotherapy as it damages egg cells, he added.

While women are expected to be the primary beneficiaries, skin cells used to make the eggs need not come from potential mothers. "We used female skin cells in this study, but you could use skin cells from males as well," Mitalipov said. "You could make eggs for men, and that way, of course, this would be applicable to same-sex couples."