Mitochondrial Replacement, Evolution, and the Clinic

Mitochondrial replacement therapy might bear health risks, especially for males. Mitochondrial diseases [often caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)] can manifest in a range of severe symptoms, for which there are currently no cures ( 1 ). The diseases are passed from mothers to offspring...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2013-09, Vol.341 (6152), p.1345-1346
Main Authors: Reinhardt, Klaus, Dowling, Damian K., Morrow, Edward H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Disease risks
Diseases
DNA
Evolution
Genetic mutation
Health outcomes
Mitochondria
Mitochondrial diseases
Mitochondrial DNA
Mutation
Oocytes
POLICY FORUM
Species
Therapy
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Summary:Mitochondrial replacement therapy might bear health risks, especially for males. Mitochondrial diseases [often caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)] can manifest in a range of severe symptoms, for which there are currently no cures ( 1 ). The diseases are passed from mothers to offspring. Intense research efforts have recently focused on a germline therapeutic strategy to prevent the inheritance of disease-causing mitochondria. However, although there has been increased government interest, especially in the United Kingdom, for using this approach to treat patients, there are reasons to believe that it is premature to move this technology into the clinic at this stage.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1237146