Heidi Ledford
Nature
Here is an excerpt:
Growing human sperm and eggs in the laboratory would offer hope to some couples struggling with infertility. It would also provide a way to edit disease-causing DNA sequences in sperm and eggs, sidestepping some of the technical complications of making such edits in embryos. And understanding how eggs and sperm develop can give researchers insight into some causes of infertility.
But in addition to its technical difficulty, growing eggs and sperm in a dish — called in vitro gametogenesis — would carry weighty social and ethical questions. Genetic modification to prevent diseases, for example, could lead to genetic enhancement to boost traits associated with intelligence or athleticism.
Epigenetic reprogramming is key to the formation of reproductive cells — without it, the primordial cells that would eventually give rise to sperm and eggs stop developing. Furthermore, the epigenome affects gene activity, helping cells with identical DNA sequences to take on unique identities. The epigenome helps to differentiate a brain cell, for example, from a liver cell.
Researchers know how to grow mouse eggs and sperm using stem-cell-like cells generated from skin. But the protocols used don’t work in human cells: “There is a big gap between mice and humans,” says Saitou.
Here are some moral/ethical issues:
The ability to derive human gametes (sperm and eggs) from reprogrammed somatic cells raises profound ethical questions that must be carefully considered:
Reproductive Autonomy
Deriving gametes from non-traditional cell sources could enable third parties to create human embryos without the consent or involvement of the cell donors. This raises concerns over violations of reproductive autonomy and the potential for coercion or exploitation, especially of vulnerable groups.
Access and Equity
If allowed for reproductive purposes, access to lab-grown gamete technology may be limited due to high costs, exacerbating existing disparities in access to assisted reproductive services. There are also concerns over the creation of "designer babies" if the technology enables extensive genetic selection.
Safety Considerations
Subtle epigenetic errors during reprogramming or gametogenesis could lead to developmental abnormalities or diseases in resulting children. Extensive research is needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of lab-grown gametes before clinical use.
Social and Cultural Implications
The ability to derive gametes from non-traditional sources challenges traditional notions of parenthood and kinship. The technology's impact on family structures, gender roles, and social norms must be carefully examined.
Robust public discourse, ethical guidelines, and regulatory frameworks will be essential to navigate the profound moral questions surrounding lab-grown human gametes as this technology continues to advance.
